Treatment for low back pain

How can radiofrequency relieve back pain?

How interdisciplinary care supports chronic pain management

Welcome Dr Aidan McParland

Our holistic approach at Hunter Pain Specialists

When to see a pain specialist for cancer-related pain

Hunter Pain procedures now at King Street Private Hospital

From 17 April 2025, all surgical procedures previously performed at Hamilton Day Surgery will now take place at King Street Private Hospital in Newcastle CBD.

Which treatments actually work for Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type II?

Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome Type II (PSPS-T2) is notoriously difficult to treat, and patients often try multiple therapies before finding relief. A new systematic review and network meta-analysis—led by Lisa Goudman and co-authored by Dr. Marc Russo et al.—offers much-needed clarity on which treatment options are most effective.

Does neuron morphology matter in Spinal Cord Stimulation?

"I feel we are at the second coming of Neuromodulation. When we harness what these new models are telling us, I think the results will be profound." - Professor Marc Russo

Decoding phantom pain

Phantom pain is a mysterious and often misunderstood condition where individuals feel pain or sensations in a body part that no longer exists. Understanding its causes and treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Understanding the link between PTSD and pain

Could chronic pain and PTSD be influencing each other? Learn how these two conditions often coexist and why treating them together is key to improving pain management and quality of life.

Medicinal Cannabis and Driving: Key Points from Dr. Russo

In this video, Dr. Marc Russo explains the legal differences between CBD and THC in medicinal cannabis and what they mean for driving.

Review of conventional management for refractory chronic pain before spinal cord stimulation

A/Prof Russo is a co-author a new research article: Systematic review and meta-analysis of conventional medical management in a patient population with refractory chronic pain suitable to receive a spinal cord stimulation system

Medicinal Cannabis for Pain Management

Medicinal cannabis is gaining attention as a treatment for nerve pain. Dr. Russo explores what it is, who it helps, and how it’s prescribed.

ADHD & Pain

Could adult ADHD be affecting how you manage pain? Discover the surprising ways these two might be connected.

A/Professor Marc Russo was invited for Part 2 on The Neuromodulation Podcast

The Neuromodulation Podcast – Prof. Marc Russo Part 2 – Research in Neuromodulation & How to Get Started

A/Professor Marc Russo was invited on The Neuromodulation Podcast for a special two-part series

The Neuromodulation Podcast – Prof. Marc Russo Part 1 – Closing Presidential Reflections

Understanding Spinal Cord Injury Pain and its treatment

Spinal cord injury pain is complex, requiring the expertise of specialists from pain medicine, neurology, and rehabilitation. When someone sustains a severe spinal cord injury that results in conditions like quadriplegia or paraplegia, they not only lose motor function and sensation, but many also develop chronic pain as a consequence of the injury.

Reducing Opioids: finding better solutions for nerve pain

If you visit a pain clinic and explain that you’re experiencing severe, constant pain that’s impacting your daily life despite being on a significant dose of opioids, it could be a sign that opioids aren’t the right treatment for you. 

A/Professor Russo receives John Boyd Craig Research Award

Understanding Ketamine for Pain Management and Mental Health

Ketamine, primarily an anaesthetic used in specific situations, also offers significant analgesic benefits at lower doses, making it effective for managing acute and neuropathic pain in emergency settings.

Painaustralia features Hunter Pain Specialists as experts on Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

Hunter Pain Specialists were recently featured on Painaustralia, providing expert answers to common questions about spinal cord stimulation (SCS). In a series of short videos, our multidisciplinary team, including pain specialists and nurses, discuss how SCS works, its safety, effectiveness, and the chronic pain conditions it can help manage.

Understanding Low Back Pain: Acute vs. Chronic

Low back pain is a common issue that many people face at some point in their lives. It can be broadly categorised into two types: acute and chronic. Understanding the difference between them and their respective treatments can help in managing the pain more effectively.

How can radiofrequency help with chronic back pain?

Arthritis commonly affects the spine, specifically the facet joints, which unfortunately cannot be replaced like a knee or hip. However, there are effective treatment strategies available, including radiofrequency therapy.

#Painchanging at Hunter Pain Specialists

For National Pain Week 2024 we are reflecting on the theme #Painchanger.

Understanding Nerve Stimulator Trials for Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain can be incredibly challenging, impacting every aspect of your life. When traditional pain management strategies are not enough, your pain specialist might recommend a nerve stimulator trial. But what does this mean, and what can you expect from the process? Let's delve into the details.

Understanding Radiofrequency Neurotomy: A Solution for Chronic Back Pain

Radiofrequency neurotomy is an advanced interventional procedure designed to manage specific types of back pain, particularly those originating from the small joints in the back of the spine, known as the facet joints. These joints can become painful due to injury or degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis, often associated with aging.

When to seek help for pain

Chronic pain is a multifaceted experience, varying from mild to severe and impacting every facet of life. It can go beyond physical discomfort, often intertwining with mental health issues like depression and anxiety, while also affecting social connections.

Research at Hunter Pain Specialists

Patients who seek help at a pain clinic often grapple with persistent symptoms that resist conventional treatments, causing distress and disruption to their lives. Recognising the complexity of these cases, we place a significant emphasis on research as a cornerstone of our approach to patient care.