M. Carmen Espiritu, M.D March 30, 2004 M. Carmen Espiritu, M.D., Is Medical Director at CVMC’s Comprehensive Pain Management Center

“Chronic pain is a complex health problem that is difficult to diagnose, treat and eventually eliminate,” said Dr. Maria Carmen Espiritu, medical director of Catawba Valley Medical Center’s new Comprehensive Pain Management Center. “Successful pain treatments begin with specialty-trained pain physicians who offer a multi-disciplinary approach to managing pain. Our new Comprehensive Pain Management Center provides the latest technology, medicines and procedures while integrating education and alternative therapies in order to treat the person, not just the symptoms.” Dr. Espiritu is an Interventional Physiatrist who specializes in non-surgical procedures to manage and reduce pain. She does fluoroscopic-guided interventions for pain management and is trained and skilled to perform electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. Board certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabiliation, Dr. Espiritu is also a member of the American Academy of Pain Medicine, the American Academy of Pain Management, the International Spinal Injection Society and the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians. Dr. Espiritu completed her residency training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Louisiana State University in New Orleans where she served as the Chief Resident. She remained in New Orleans to work as the Pain Specialist for a 14-physician multi-specialty group of neurosurgeons and neurologists. Prior to her medical practice, she worked seven years as a licensed physical therapist in Florida. CVMC’s Comprehensive Pain Management Center offers a team approach to managing pain with the expertise of physicians (anesthesiologists and interventional physiatrists), nurses, physical therapists and psychologists. Other hospital healthcare professionals are consulted as needed. After an initial evaluation session with the pain management team, an individualized Plan of Care is developed. Education and exercise classes are offered on a weekly basis to help patients understand their condition and incorporate healthy lifestyle modifications. Patients are treated and educated in ways to reduce their pain and improve quality of life. The Comprehensive Pain Management Center treats abdominal pain, arthritis, back & neck pain, cancer pain, chronic muscle spasm, failed back surgery, fibromyalgia, muscle tension & migraine headaches, myofascial syndromes, neuralgias, neuropathies, pancreatitis, post trauma/accidents, radiculopathy, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, shingles, sports injuries, TMJ syndrome (jaw pain) and work-related injuries. Treatment modalities include biofeedback, nerve blocks, spinal injections, fluoroscopy-guided injections, botox injections, prolotherapy, nerve stimulation, manipulation, exercises, counseling, massage therapy and medical management. Patients are seen by referral. For more information, call 828-326-2473. Catawba Valley Medical Center is a not-for-profit healthcare system providing and promoting the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being of the public in addition to serving as a center for health education, wellness services, preventative medicine and acute care. It was recently designated as the thirty-second Magnet facility in the nation and the second in the Carolinas.