FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about pain management, our treatments, and how to get started at Pain Clinic of India.

General Questions

Common questions about pain management and Pain Clinic of India

Pain management is a medical specialty focused on diagnosing and treating chronic pain conditions using a multidisciplinary approach. Unlike general medicine that treats pain as a symptom, pain specialists like Dr. Kailash Kothari at Pain Clinic of India treat pain as the primary condition, using advanced interventional techniques such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation alongside medication management and rehabilitation.

Pain Clinic of India treats a comprehensive range of chronic pain conditions including back pain, sciatica, neck pain, trigeminal neuralgia, knee osteoarthritis, cancer pain, neuropathic pain, migraines, CRPS, lumbar canal stenosis, myofascial pain, post-herpetic neuralgia, spasticity, and many more. We have been India's pioneer pain management clinic since 2001, operating across Mumbai and Goa.

An orthopedic surgeon focuses on surgical treatment of bone and joint conditions. A pain specialist (interventional pain physician) like Dr. Kailash Kothari focuses on diagnosing pain sources and treating them with minimally invasive, non-surgical techniques. Many patients find relief through pain management procedures without needing surgery. We work collaboratively with orthopedic surgeons when surgery is truly indicated.

Yes — many chronic pain conditions can be managed without open surgery when the pain generator is correctly identified. At Pain Clinic of India we use minimally invasive, image-guided procedures such as epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, and nerve blocks, supported by strong clinical evidence for selected diagnoses. Outcomes vary by condition and patient; your specialist will discuss realistic goals at consultation.

Dr. Kailash Kothari is the founder and director of Pain Clinic of India, established in 2001. He holds an MD in Anesthesiology with specialization in Pain Medicine, FIAPM (Pain Medicine), and has 30+ years of experience in interventional pain management. He has treated over 50,000 patients, trained hundreds of pain medicine fellows, and organized the internationally recognized CIPM conference series. He is a member of IASP and ISSP.

Appointments & Locations

How to book, where to find us, and what to expect

You can book an appointment by calling +91-7303142400 or +91-9320027500. You can also visit our website and fill out the online appointment form at painclinicofindia.com/book-pain-consultation/. Our team will confirm your appointment and provide all necessary pre-visit instructions. Walk-in consultations are also available but prior appointment is recommended.

Pain Clinic of India operates from Chembur (Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Deonar), Parel (Gleneagles Hospital), Mulund (Fortis Hospital), and Margao, Goa (Kamat Criticare & Research Centre / Horizon Hospital). All centres offer advanced interventional pain management. Visit painclinicofindia.com/pain-clinic-locations-mumbai-goa/ for full addresses and directions.

Dr. Venkatesh Nevagi, consultant pain specialist, is based at our Margao centre (Kamat Criticare & Research Centre / Horizon Hospital). Call +91-7303142400 for appointments and procedure scheduling.

Please bring: all previous medical records and reports, MRI/CT scan images (films or CD), current medication list, referral letter from your physician (if applicable), insurance card and ID proof, and a list of questions you want to ask. Wearing comfortable, loose clothing that allows examination of the painful area is recommended.

Our clinics operate Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Procedures are typically scheduled in the morning. Evening and emergency consultations may be available on request. Please call +91-7303142400 to confirm availability at your preferred location and time.

Conditions Treated

Questions about specific pain conditions we treat

Absolutely. At Pain Clinic of India, we successfully treat the vast majority of back pain cases without surgery. Our minimally invasive treatments include epidural steroid injections for disc-related pain, radiofrequency ablation for facet joint pain, nucleoplasty for contained disc herniations, and ozone therapy. These evidence-based procedures have helped thousands of patients avoid spine surgery.

Radiofrequency ablation (percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomy) is one of the most effective treatments for trigeminal neuralgia. Dr. Kailash Kothari has performed hundreds of these procedures with 85-95% success rate in providing immediate pain relief. It is minimally invasive, performed under sedation, and allows same-day or next-day discharge. It is particularly suitable for patients who cannot tolerate medication or are poor surgical candidates.

While no treatment guarantees a permanent cure, radiofrequency ablation at Pain Clinic of India provides lasting relief for many patients — some remain pain-free for years. If pain recurs, the procedure can be safely repeated. The treatment significantly reduces or eliminates the need for medications like carbamazepine, which often have troublesome side effects.

Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc (slip disc) pressing on the sciatic nerve root. Other causes include spinal stenosis, bone spurs, and piriformis syndrome. At PCI, we treat sciatica with transforaminal epidural steroid injections, selective nerve root blocks, and nucleoplasty — all minimally invasive procedures that target the compressed nerve with high precision under fluoroscopic guidance.

Yes, most slip disc (herniated disc) cases respond well to non-surgical treatment. Pain Clinic of India offers epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation around the compressed nerve, nucleoplasty to decompress the disc from within, and ozone therapy. Over 80% of our slip disc patients achieve significant relief without surgery.

For elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis, we offer PRP therapy (regenerative treatment), genicular nerve radiofrequency ablation (blocks knee pain signals), hyaluronic acid injections (joint lubrication), and corticosteroid injections (anti-inflammatory). These non-surgical options are safe for elderly patients and can significantly reduce knee pain and improve walking ability.

Yes, chronic pain can be significantly managed with modern interventional pain management techniques. At Pain Clinic of India, our comprehensive approach combines advanced procedures, medication optimization, and rehabilitation to help patients achieve meaningful pain reduction (50-80%) and improved quality of life. Dr. Kothari's 30+ years of experience ensures the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

Cancer pain management at PCI includes neurolytic nerve blocks (celiac plexus blocks for abdominal cancers), intrathecal drug delivery systems (pain pumps), epidural analgesia, and medication management. These techniques can dramatically reduce cancer pain and decrease opioid side effects, significantly improving quality of life during cancer treatment.

Procedures & Safety

Understanding our treatments and their safety

The epidural injection procedure itself takes 15-30 minutes. Including preparation, positioning, and post-procedure monitoring, you should plan to be at the clinic for about 1-2 hours. Epidural injections are performed as day-care procedures — you can go home the same day. Pain relief typically begins within 2-7 days of the injection.

No. Radiofrequency ablation targets small sensory nerves that only transmit pain signals. These nerves naturally regenerate over time (typically 6-18 months), which is why pain may eventually return and the procedure can be safely repeated. RFA does not damage the spinal cord or major motor nerves. It is a well-established, evidence-based treatment used worldwide.

Yes, spinal cord stimulation is an FDA-approved, well-established treatment for chronic pain. It is also reversible — the system can be removed if needed. The trial period allows patients to experience the therapy before permanent implantation. At PCI, Dr. Kothari uses the latest technology to ensure optimal outcomes. Complication rates are low (1-3% infection risk).

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy concentrates platelets from your own blood and injects them into the painful area. Platelets release growth factors that may stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. At PCI, we use PRP primarily for knee osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and ligament problems. It is a safe, natural treatment with no risk of allergic reaction.

For early to moderate knee osteoarthritis (Grade 1-3), PRP therapy may delay or eliminate the need for knee replacement. At Pain Clinic of India, we combine PRP with genicular nerve ablation for comprehensive knee pain management. However, for severe Grade 4 arthritis with bone-on-bone contact, knee replacement may still be the most appropriate treatment.

The duration depends on the type of nerve block. Diagnostic blocks with local anesthetic last a few hours. Therapeutic blocks with steroid provide relief lasting weeks to months. Neurolytic blocks (for cancer pain) can last several months. Radiofrequency ablation provides the longest relief — typically 6-18 months. Our specialists select the appropriate type based on your condition.

Most patients experience some mild soreness at the treatment site for 1-2 weeks. You can return to desk work within 1-2 days and physical activities within 1-2 weeks. Full pain relief develops gradually over 2-4 weeks as the nerve responds to the treatment. There are no major activity restrictions after the first few days.

All procedures at Pain Clinic of India are performed with local anesthesia, and sedation is available when needed. Most patients describe the procedures as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. The momentary discomfort of the procedure is far outweighed by the lasting pain relief it provides. Our experienced team prioritizes patient comfort throughout.

Insurance & Costs

Information about treatment costs and insurance coverage

Many of our procedures are covered by major insurance providers in India. Coverage varies depending on your policy and the specific procedure. We recommend contacting our office at +91-7303142400 before your appointment to verify coverage with your specific insurance plan. Our staff can assist with pre-authorization when required.

The cost of spinal cord stimulation varies depending on the device brand and model selected. In India, SCS is significantly more affordable than in Western countries. The total cost includes the device, surgical fees, hospital charges, and follow-up care. Please contact Pain Clinic of India at +91-7303142400 for a personalized cost estimate and to discuss payment options.

Epidural injection costs at Pain Clinic of India vary depending on the type (transforaminal, interlaminar, or caudal) and whether fluoroscopy guidance is used. Generally, interventional pain procedures in India are very affordable compared to surgical alternatives. Contact us at +91-7303142400 for specific pricing for your recommended treatment.

Many interventional pain management procedures are covered by major Indian insurance providers including cashless options at affiliated hospitals. Procedures like epidural injections, nerve blocks, and spinal cord stimulation are increasingly being covered as evidence supports their cost-effectiveness compared to surgery. Our team helps patients navigate the insurance process.

Start Your Pain-Free Journey

Book a pain consultation

Take the first step towards a pain-free life. Our specialists offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments for lasting relief.

+91-7303142400 Book Online Consultation

Also call: +91-93200-27500