SLBMI Headache and Pain Management Services>> Headache and Pain Management FAQs

Headache and Pain Management FAQs

How do I get referred to SLBMI?
Some people are referred by their physicians for general assessment or specific treatments; other clients refer themselves for medical or psychological evaluation. With the client's permission, medical updates will be sent to their physician. For more information, call 314-534-0200 or our toll-free number 1-877-245-2688 and ask for our Intake Coordinator, who will answer your questions and provide any necessary assistance. Contact Headache and Pain Management Services

Will health insurance cover my treatments?
Coverage varies according to your contracted insurance benefits. After you provide your personal information, our Intake Coordinator will obtain benefit information from your health insurance company. She will call back regarding your specific coverage. Some medical or psychology treatments may be covered "in-network", while other treatments are "out-of-network". We will work with you and your insurance company to provide the care you need.

Do you only treat people who live in the area?
No. Many clients come to SLBMI from other states and even from other countries. For those, we structure intense treatment plans based on their individual needs. Those who come from far away generally receive multi-disciplinary therapy 4-6 hours daily, for one or more weeks.

I don't live in St Louis; where would I stay?
There are a variety of hotels and motels nearby; we will be glad to assist you in locating acceptable lodging.

What does "multi-disciplinary treatment" involve?
A multi-disciplinary approach begins with both Medical Evaluation and Psychological Assessment. We seek to understand you as a whole person, your problems, and how these problems have affected your life. Each treatment plan is tailored to meet your individual needs, and may include other therapeutic interventions.

How can you reduce my chronic pain?
After evaluation, our Medical Director may recommend physical therapy, biofeedback, dietary or other counseling. Counseling and Education help you understand and identify triggers for headaches, and factors that cause pain to increase or decrease. Unrelieved pain may lead to depression, anxiety, and work problems. Counseling can help minimize the impact of these factors. With the help of computers, biofeedback therapy teaches people to recognize and correct problems like improper breathing, tension and diminished blood flow. These factors often play a critical role in the onset and continuation of headaches, pain and health problems.

Will I be taken off my medication?
Medication remains an important aspect of any treatment plan, although reducing or changing medications sometimes can help the problem. Occasionally medication causes rebound pain or headaches, or it becomes less effective over time; some medicines may cause dependency or addiction.

I've had Physical Therapy before, but it didn't help. What now?
When Physical Therapy is ordered, our physical therapist does a careful musculoskeletal evaluation from feet to head, to determine any physical causes that might contribute to pain. Clients tell us our physical therapy is very different from their previous experiences. They are taught adaptive and coping strategies to use in daily life. Education, modalities, massage, functional training, and easy exercises help balance muscles and correct problems. Many clients report feeling better after one appointment.

I live in the area; can I come to SLBMI only for physical therapy?
Definitely, but we must first check whether your health insurance coverage allows you to be treated here. Call 314-534-0200 (or our toll-free number 1-877-245-2688) and ask for our Intake Coordinator. If you have a current medical problem, you will need a physical therapy prescription from a Missouri-licensed doctor to bring to your first appointment. Contact a professional in our Central Intake

Does body weight affect my pain levels?
Yes. Increased weight causes increased stress on weight-bearing joints and may cause poor body mechanics. Losing weight helps reduce foot, knee, hip and back pain. In addition, Diet Counseling often plays an important role in headache and pain management, for other reasons: 1) poor diet is a common (and frequently overlooked) factor in headaches, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Fibromyalgia; 2) poor diet can adversely affect ability to cope with pain by changing mood, sensitivity to pain, and sense of well-being.

Can my spouse/significant-other come to sessions?
Yes. We encourage family members to come and learn ways to assist our clients. Their support and encouragement is critical, but it is up to you which sessions they attend. Our staff will be glad to teach family members some of those special ways to help decrease your pain.