photo of a provider examining a patient for pain management

Pain Management Doctor in Tucson, AZ

Living with chronic pain affects every part of your day, from how well you sleep to whether you can get through a shift at work or enjoy time with your family. At Quality of Life Integrated Health Center, our board-certified pain management physician treats the full spectrum of pain conditions, from acute injuries and post-surgical discomfort to complex chronic pain and co-occurring substance use disorders. Located in Tucson, Arizona, our team combines comprehensive medical pain management, behavioral strategies, and addiction medicine under one roof so you receive coordinated care without the runaround of multiple referrals.

We are currently accepting new patients. Call 520-733-2250 to schedule your first appointment, or request an appointment online.

Meet Your Pain Management Team

Every treatment plan at our Tucson pain clinic begins with providers who understand both the science of pain and what it actually feels like to live with it. Our pain management team includes:

Brian McCabe, MD

Photo of Dr. Brian McCabe

Dr. McCabe earned his medical degree from Indiana University School of Medicine and completed his anesthesia residency at the University of Arizona. He is board certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine through the American Board of Anesthesiology.

David Stevens, PA

Photo of Dave Stevens PA

Dave Stevens has been practicing as a physician assistant since 1997. He has evaluated and treated thousands of patients with back pain, neck pain, and degenerative spine conditions. Since 2009, Dave has focused exclusively on pain management.

Conditions We Treat at Our Tucson Pain Clinic

Pain has hundreds of causes, and treatment that works for one patient may not be the right approach for another. Our providers conduct thorough diagnostic evaluations, including imaging review and physical examination, to identify the specific source of your pain before recommending a treatment path. We commonly treat:

Spine and Back Pain

• Chronic low back pain and lumbar radiculopathy
• Herniated and degenerative discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Failed back surgery syndrome (post-laminectomy syndrome)
• Facet joint syndrome and sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Spondylolisthesis and scoliosis-related pain

Neck and Head Pain

• Cervical radiculopathy and whiplash injuries
• Occipital neuralgia
• Chronic migraine and tension headaches
• Trigeminal neuralgia

Joint and Extremity Pain

• Knee, hip, and shoulder arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Rotator cuff and frozen shoulder pain

 

Complex and Neuropathic Pain

  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS/RSD)
  • Peripheral neuropathy and diabetic nerve pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Cancer-related pain
  • Post-surgical and post-traumatic pain
  • Shingles-related neuralgia (postherpetic neuralgia)

Abdominal and Pelvic Pain

  • Chronic abdominal and visceral pain
  • Pelvic pain syndromes
  • Intercostal neuralgia

Our Approach to Pain Treatment

At Quality of Life Integrated Health Center, we take a medical and multimodal approach to pain care. Rather than defaulting to invasive procedures, our providers focus on accurate diagnosis, careful medication management, behavioral health integration, and coordination with physical therapy and supportive services.

This approach is especially effective for patients who want to avoid repeated procedures, who have not had success with interventional treatments elsewhere, or who are managing pain alongside substance use concerns. Because our clinic also offers primary care, behavioral health, and addiction medicine services, your pain management team can coordinate directly with other specialists in our practice without delays or disconnected care.

Every treatment plan is individualized based on your diagnosis, pain severity, medical history, and personal goals. Your plan may combine several of the approaches below depending on what is most appropriate for your situation.

Medication Management

When medication is appropriate, our providers prescribe carefully and monitor closely. We use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration and regularly reassess whether your current regimen is still serving you well.

Our medication approach includes non-opioid pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, nerve pain medications, muscle relaxants, and other targeted treatments based on your specific diagnosis. For patients who require opioid therapy, Dr. McCabe's dual specialization in pain medicine and addiction medicine ensures your treatment plan accounts for both pain relief and long-term safety.

For patients managing pain alongside substance use concerns, we offer coordinated care that addresses both conditions simultaneously. This means you do not have to choose between treating your pain and protecting your recovery.

Pain Management and Addiction Medicine

Chronic pain and substance use disorders frequently overlap, and treating one without addressing the other often leads to poor outcomes. At Quality of Life Integrated Health Center, we are one of the few Tucson pain clinics with a physician who is board certified in both pain medicine and addiction medicine.

This means patients who are managing opioid dependence, recovering from substance use, or concerned about the risks of pain medication can receive coordinated, nonjudgmental care from a single provider who understands both sides of the equation. Your treatment plan is built around your full clinical picture, not just one diagnosis at a time.

Therapeutic and Supportive Care

Pain treatment extends well beyond the procedure room. We coordinate with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and our in-house behavioral health team to address the full impact of chronic pain on your body and your daily life. Supportive care strategies may include:

  • Physical therapy referrals for strength, flexibility, and mobility restoration
  • Occupational therapy to help you maintain independence in daily tasks and work activities
  • Behavioral health counseling for pain-related anxiety, depression, and coping strategies, including meditation, cognitive behavioral therapy, and stress reduction
  • Low-impact exercise guidance tailored to your condition (walking, swimming, cycling)
  • Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) for targeted muscle relaxation and blood flow

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Step 1: Schedule Your Appointment

Call or text (520) 733-2250 or Request an Appointment Online. We work to get new pain patients in quickly, often within the same week. If you are in acute distress, let our scheduling team know and we will do our best to accommodate you as soon as possible.

Step 2: Diagnostic Evaluation

Your first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation. Bring any imaging (MRI, X-ray, CT), surgical records, and a list of current medications. Your provider will review your history, perform a physical exam, and discuss what may be causing your pain. If additional diagnostics are needed, we will coordinate those promptly.

Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on your evaluation, your provider will outline a treatment plan tailored to your specific diagnosis, medical history, and goals. This plan may include one or more of the interventional procedures, medications, or therapeutic approaches described above. Throughout your care, your treatment team will monitor your progress and adjust the plan as needed.

Why Patients Choose Quality of Life for Pain Management in Tucson

  • Board-certified pain management physician with dual specialization in addiction medicine
  • Nearly 30 years of experience in spine and interventional pain care
  • Full spectrum of interventional procedures performed on-site
  • Integrated multispecialty clinic with primary care and behavioral health under one roof
  • Access to emerging therapies through partnership with Quality of Life Research Center (200+ clinical trials)
  • Broad insurance acceptance, including Medicare, Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and UnitedHealthcare
  • Same-week availability for most new patient appointments

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