Finding Pain Relief Without Surgery: A Life-Changing Approach
Living with chronic pain can significantly impact one’s quality of life, affecting everything from daily activities to your emotional well-being. Dr. Simone Maybin with CMC Orthopaedics, board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and fellowship trained in Interventional Spine at Johns Hopkins University, specializes in helping patients regain function and manage pain through non-surgical interventions and innovative pain management techniques. There are a variety of conditions she treats and she employs some of the most advanced approaches to help patients find relief.
Understanding Spinal Conditions and Their Impact
The spine is a remarkable but complex structure that plays a crucial role in nearly every movement we make. When spinal conditions develop, they can affect not just the back or neck, but every aspect of daily life – from sleep and work to simple activities like driving or picking up a child. Understanding these conditions is the first step toward finding relief. Dr. Maybin’s expertise in diagnosing and treating spinal disorders offers hope to patients suffering from various conditions that can develop at any age and from various causes, including injury, aging, or genetic factors. Some of those conditions are:
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy occurs when nerve roots become compressed or irritated, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling that radiates along the affected nerve pathway. Whether it manifests in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) region, Dr. Maybin treats this condition primarily with targeted epidural steroid injections. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the irritated nerve roots, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. This precise approach can provide significant relief by addressing the underlying nerve compression while avoiding more invasive surgical interventions.
Spinal Stenosis
This narrowing of the spinal canal can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, weakness, and numbness. Dr. Maybin’s approach often includes a combination of physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength, along with targeted epidural injections to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. In some cases, she may recommend advanced pain management devices for long-term symptom control.
Facet Joint Disease
The facet joints, which help guide and control spinal movement, can become painful due to arthritis or injury. Dr. Maybin offers several interventional options for facet joint pain, including:
- Medial branch blocks to diagnose the source of pain
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Intra-articular facet joint injections to reduce inflammation
Beyond the Spine: Comprehensive Pain Management
While spinal conditions are a significant focus of Dr. Maybin’s practice, her expertise extends to managing pain throughout the entire body. Pain is complex – it can start in your joints, muscles, nerves, or other areas, and sometimes pain in one area can be caused by problems somewhere else entirely. That’s why Dr. Maybin takes a “whole-body” approach, using her extensive training to track down the real source of your pain and create a treatment plan that’s specifically tailored to your needs. Some conditions she treats are:
Whiplash Syndrome
Common after auto accidents, whiplash can cause persistent neck pain. Dr. Maybin’s treatment approach typically includes:
- Physical therapy to restore proper neck movement and strength
- Trigger point injections for muscle pain
- Botox injections for persistent muscle spasms
- Cervical medial branch blocks when facet joints are involved
Sacroiliac Joint Disease
The sacroiliac (SI) joints, which connect the spine to the pelvis, can become a source of significant lower back and leg pain. Dr. Maybin offers specialized diagnostic injections to confirm SI joint involvement and can provide targeted treatment through:
- Guided SI joint injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Physical therapy to improve joint stability
Advanced Interventional Procedures
When conservative treatments don’t provide adequate relief, Dr. Maybin offers several advanced interventional procedures:
Botox Injections
Beyond its cosmetic applications, Botox can effectively treat:
- Muscle spasticity
- Cervical dystonia
- Other unique complex cases
Nerve Blocks
These precise injections can both diagnose and treat pain by:
- Identifying specific pain generators
- Providing temporary or long-term relief
- Breaking the pain cycle
Radiofrequency Ablation
This innovative procedure uses controlled heat to interrupt pain signals, providing:
- Long-lasting relief (8-12 months)
- Targeted treatment for specific nerve pain
- Minimal recovery time
- Reduced need for pain medication
Advanced Pain Management Devices
For complex chronic pain cases, Dr. Maybin may recommend:
- Spinal cord stimulators
- Peripheral nerve stimulators
Taking the First Step: How to Access Dr. Maybin’s Care
Dr. Maybin’s specialized pain management services are available through referral from your primary care provider (PCP). This referral process ensures that:
- Your pain condition has been initially evaluated and documented
- Basic treatment options have been explored
- Your medical history is properly shared
- Your insurance requirements for a specialist’s care are met
If you don’t currently have a primary care provider, CMC Primary Care welcomes new patients and offers convenient locations throughout Horry County. Our primary care physicians can:
- Perform your initial pain assessment
- Document your condition and symptoms
- Determine if a referral to Dr. Maybin is appropriate
- Help coordinate your overall care
To find a CMC Primary Care location near you and start your journey toward pain relief, visit our website or call 843-347-8000.
The Benefits of a Comprehensive Approach
Dr. Maybin’s comprehensive approach to pain management offers several advantages:
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Each patient receives a customized treatment strategy based on their specific condition, symptoms, and lifestyle needs.
- Progressive Care: Starting with conservative treatments and advancing to more interventional approaches as needed ensures optimal outcomes while minimizing risks.
- Long-term Success: By addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes of pain, patients often experience more sustainable relief and improved function.
- Quality of Life Improvement: Through comprehensive pain management, patients can often return to activities they enjoy and experience better overall well-being.
Charting Your Path to Pain-Free Living
At CMC Orthopaedics, Dr. Simone Maybin’s expertise in Interventional Pain Management, combined with her comprehensive approach, offers hope for patients suffering from various painful conditions. Through a combination of conservative treatments and advanced procedures, she helps patients achieve better pain control and improved function, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.
For patients struggling with chronic pain, whether from spinal conditions, joint problems, or other sources, Dr. Maybin offers a path to relief that doesn’t rely solely on medication or surgical intervention. Her commitment to comprehensive care ensures that each patient receives individualized treatment designed to address their specific needs and goals.
Dr. Simone Maybin
Fellowship trained in Interventional Spine at Johns Hopkins Hospital
A Top 20 under 40 honoree by the North American Spine Society in 2021
Dr. Maybin graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a bachelor’s degree in Biology. She earned her medical degree from The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. Following medical school, Dr. Maybin completed her Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residency training at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. After residency, she completed a fellowship in Interventional Spine and Musculoskeletal Medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD.
