You Don't Have to Live in Pain
Opioid-Free Solutions for Chronic Pain Management
Comprehensive, multi-modal approach to managing chronic pain without opioids. Because you deserve relief without the risks of addiction.
A Different Approach to Pain Management
Chronic pain affects millions of Americans—and for too long, the answer has been prescription opioids.
The Problem with Opioids:
While opioids may provide short-term relief, long-term use carries significant risks:
- Tolerance (requiring higher doses for the same relief)
- Physical dependence
- Addiction potential
- Side effects (constipation, fatigue, mental fog)
- Overdose risk
- Doesn’t address the underlying cause of pain
The Reality:
Many people with chronic pain are caught between two difficult choices: live in pain or risk opioid dependence.
There’s a better way.
At Garcia Family Medicine, we believe effective pain management doesn’t require opioids. Using a multi-modal approach—combining non-opioid medications, lifestyle modifications, therapeutic interventions, and integrative strategies—we help patients reduce pain and improve function without the risks of opioid use.
Our goal isn’t to make your pain disappear completely (though that would be wonderful). Our goal is to help you manage pain effectively so you can live a fuller, more functional life—without opioids.
Chronic Pain Conditions We Manage
Our opioid-free pain management approach helps patients with various chronic pain conditions:
Common Chronic Pain Conditions
Musculoskeletal Pain:
- Chronic back pain (lower back, upper back)
- Neck pain and cervical radiculopathy
- Osteoarthritis (knees, hips, hands, spine)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (in coordination with rheumatology)
- Shoulder pain and rotator cuff issues
- Joint pain and inflammation
Nerve Pain (Neuropathy):
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles pain)
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Sciatica and radiculopathy
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Fibromyalgia:
- Widespread pain and tenderness
- Fatigue and sleep disturbances
- Multi-modal approach particularly effective
Chronic Headaches:
- Tension headaches
- Migraine prevention and management
- Cervicogenic headaches
Post-Surgical Pain:
- Persistent pain after surgery
- Scar tissue and nerve pain
- Recovery support
Other Chronic Pain:
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Post-injury chronic pain
Setting Realistic Expectations for Pain Management
We want to be honest with you about what opioid-free pain management can and cannot do.
What We CAN Help You Achieve
- Reduce pain levels (even if not completely eliminating pain)
- Improve function and quality of life
- Better sleep despite pain
- Increased activity tolerance
- Less reliance on medications (including eliminating opioids)
- Better coping strategies when pain flares
- Return to activities you enjoy (with modifications if needed)
- Improved mood and mental health
- Greater sense of control over pain
What We CAN NOT Promise
- Complete pain elimination (chronic pain is rarely "cured")
- Instant results (multi-modal approaches take time)
- One magic solution (requires multiple strategies working together)
- Zero bad days (flares and setbacks happen)
- Reversal of structural damage (arthritis, disc disease don't disappear)
Success Means...
Success in chronic pain management isn’t measured by pain scores alone. It’s measured by:
- Can you sleep through the night?
- Can you work or do daily activities?
- an you enjoy time with family and friends?
- Are you less dependent on medications?
- Do you have effective strategies when pain flares?
- Is your quality of life better?
If the answer to these questions is “yes,” then treatment is successful—even if some pain remains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will you prescribe opioids if nothing else works?
A: No, Dr. Tess does not prescribe any controlled substances, including opioids. This is precisely why we developed our opioid-free pain management program—to provide effective pain relief through safe, non-addictive alternatives. Our comprehensive approach to pain management focuses on addressing the root causes of pain while offering multiple treatment options that don’t carry the risks associated with opioid use.
Q: What if I'm already taking opioids for pain?
A: If you’re currently taking opioids prescribed by another doctor, you’ll need to work with that prescribing physician to safely taper off the medication. Dr. Tess does not prescribe controlled substances, so she cannot manage opioid tapering. However, once you’ve completed the tapering process with your current provider, Dr. Tess can work with you through our opioid-free pain management program to provide effective, non-addictive alternatives for managing your pain long-term.
Q: How long before I feel better?
A: To a certain extent, this depends on your perspective and expectations. If you’re waiting for complete elimination of all pain before considering yourself “better,” progress may feel slower. However, if you’re willing to view chronic pain as an ongoing challenge to manage rather than something that must be completely gone, you’ll be able to recognize meaningful improvements along the way—even if they’re not 100% pain-free. Our goal is to help you regain function, improve quality of life, and develop effective coping strategies, which often brings significant relief even when some level of discomfort remains.
Q: Will you judge me if I've been taking opioids?
A: Absolutely not. Chronic pain is real, and many people were prescribed opioids by well-meaning doctors. There’s no shame in needing help to stop. We’re here to support you, not judge you.
Q: Do I have to do physical therapy?
A: It depends on the specific condition causing your pain. Some types of pain respond very well to physical therapy and may require it as part of your treatment plan. Dr. Tess will evaluate your individual situation and determine if physical therapy is necessary. Additionally, she will assign you a home exercise program tailored to your needs, which is an important component of your pain management and recovery.
Q: Can you cure my chronic pain?
A: Chronic pain, by definition, cannot be “cured.” However, it can be effectively managed. Our opioid-free pain management program focuses on reducing your pain levels, improving your function and quality of life, and giving you tools to manage pain on an ongoing basis. The goal is to help you live a fuller, more active life despite chronic pain—not to promise complete elimination of all symptoms, which isn’t realistic for chronic conditions.
Q: What if medications don't work for me?
A: Multi-modal pain management uses MANY strategies beyond medication. If one medication doesn’t work, we try others. We also incorporate lifestyle changes, physical strategies, mental health support, and complementary therapies. There are many tools in the toolbox.
Q: Will insurance cover non-opioid pain management?
A: DPC membership operates outside insurance, making appointments and medication management very affordable ($99/month). Medications are typically covered by insurance or available at low cost. Specialist referrals and PT are covered by your insurance.
Q: Can you help with pain from a specific injury or surgery?
A: Yes! We manage post-injury and post-surgical chronic pain using the same multi-modal approach. If surgery is needed, we coordinate with specialists and support you through recovery.
Q: What about medical marijuana or CBD?
A: Dr. Tess does not prescribe medical marijuana; however, she does not object to patients using it—particularly if you’ve found it to be effective for managing your pain. Since marijuana is legal in Missouri, dispensaries are readily available throughout the area, making it easily accessible along with the various compounds developed from it, such as CBD or CBG products. If you’re considering or already using marijuana, CBD,or CBG as part of your pain management approach, Dr. Tess is happy to discuss it with you and incorporate it into your overall treatment plan.
Q: Do I need imaging (X-rays, MRI) before starting treatment?
A: Not always. If you have recent imaging, we’ll review it. If imaging is needed to guide treatment, we’ll order it. But we often start treatment based on clinical examination and adjust based on response.
Q: Can you help with fibromyalgia?
A: Yes! Fibromyalgia responds particularly well to multi-modal approaches including medication (duloxetine, pregabalin), sleep optimization, exercise, stress management, and mental health support. We have experience treating fibromyalgia patients.
Q: What if my pain is worse at night?
A: Nighttime pain is common and can be addressed through medication timing, sleep positioning, heat/cold therapy, and sleep hygiene. We’ll work on strategies to improve your nighttime pain and sleep quality.
Q: How often will I need appointments?
A: Initially, every 2-4 weeks for the first 2-3 months. Once stable, appointments may be monthly or every 2-3 months. DPC members can reach Dr. Tess anytime between appointments via text/call.
Q: Can I continue seeing my pain specialist while working with you?
A: Yes, if Dr. Tess is your primary care provider, you can continue seeing a pain specialist for specialized pain management. However, if you’re already under the care of a pain specialist, Dr. Tess would not take you on as a pain management patient—she would serve as your primary care provider for your other healthcare needs. This approach prevents duplication of care and ensures clear communication between your providers.
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