Center for Spine & Pain Management
Focused on Getting You Back to the Life You Love
At the Edgewood Surgical Hospital Pain Management Center, our goal is to provide comprehensive, individualized care for patients suffering from chronic pain. We understand the profound impact that persistent pain can have on your quality of life, and we’re committed to helping you regain control and return to the activities you love.
Our Objectives:
- Deliver personalized, balanced treatment plans
- Utilize innovative and evidence-based pain management techniques
- Provide care that’s accessible and close to home
- Improve our patients’ overall quality of life
Compassionate Pain Care Close to Home
We believe that high-quality pain management should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we’re proud to offer our services right here in Transfer, Pennsylvania. Our team is dedicated to providing empathetic, personalized care that allows you to receive treatment without the burden of long-distance travel.
Dr. Timothy Ko – Pain Management Specialist
Dr. Timothy Ko is double board certified in anesthesiology and pain management. His mission at Edgewood Surgical Hospital Pain Management Center is to provide balanced, individualized, and comprehensive pain management treatment plans for all patients.
Dr. Ko completed his undergraduate training at Youngstown State University as part of the combined and accelerated BS/MD program at Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). He completed his anesthesiology residency and pain management fellowship at University Hospitals of Cleveland.
With over a decade of experience treating patients with chronic pain, Dr. Ko is passionate about offering the latest treatment options to his patients. “I enjoy talking to people and developing relationships with my patients,” says Dr. Ko. “In pain management, we get an opportunity to see patients through their treatment plan and help them achieve their goals of pain relief.”
Dr. Ko adds, “I am most proud of my patients who achieve their goals of pain relief under my care. This is the greatest satisfaction for anyone who treats chronic pain.”
In his spare time, Dr. Ko enjoys watching sports and supporting his children in their athletic endeavors. “Watching my kids play sports is one of my greatest joys,” he shared.
Ms. Valerie Dodds, MSN, FNP
Valerie joined our our pain management program in the fall of 2024. Valerie brings years of experience providing high quality patient care in a variety of clinical settings. After starting her career as a registered nurse, Valerie went on to complete her nurse practitioner education at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Valerie is dedicated to providing patients with high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive pain management care.
Q&A with Valerie:
Q: Why did you decide to focus on pain management?
A: Many people live in pain daily, and by choosing pain management as a career path I hope to improve patient’s quality of life, so that patients are able to continue with their lives and enjoy the activities that they used to enjoy.
Q: What made you decide to become a healthcare provider?
A: I decided to go into health care initially due to my father. He was diagnosed with MS when I was only 4 years old, so from a very young age I learned what it meant to take care of someone, and the challenges that went along with 24-hour care. He had a wonderful NP from his PCP office who was a true inspiration, she did whatever was needed to make his life (and ours) easier. She was such a caring person and truly cared for her patients. I strive daily to provide the same care to my patients that she offered to my dad and our family.
Q: What is your philosophy of care?
A: To provide care to my patients that prioritizes their needs and preferences while treating them with compassion and respect.
Q: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: In my free time, I like to hang out with my family and play with my dogs, Shermie, a Labradoodle and Eljay, a Goldendoodle. They are both very energetic, so we like to go to the park and walk the trails, and in the warmer months we do quite a bit of camping in our camper van.
Q: What are your hobbies?
A: My hobbies in the summer are planting flowers and taking care of my flower garden. I also enjoy camping in our camper van on the Clarion river and on Lake Erie.
In the winter, (really Christmas) I enjoy setting up and enjoying my model-sized Christmas village. I have accumulated many pieces through the years, and it has become a treasured tradition in our household.
About Chronic Pain:
Chronic pain is a complex condition that persists beyond the usual healing time of an injury or illness, typically lasting more than three to six months. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal, chronic pain can become a disease in itself, affecting not only physical well-being but also emotional and mental health.
Key characteristics of chronic pain include:
- Persistent or recurring pain
- Duration beyond normal healing time
- Negative impact on overall well-being
- Varying intensity and frequency
Chronic pain affects over 50 million Americans, more than many common conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. It can significantly diminish quality of life, interfering with daily activities, work, and relationships.
Common Conditions We Treat:
- Pinched Nerve
- Cervical Facet Joint Syndrome
- Osteoarthritis of the Spine
- Herniated Disc
- Sacroiliac Joint Pain
- Bursitis Of The Hip (Trochanteric Bursitis)
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Post-Laminectomy Syndrome
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylosis
- Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)
- Peripheral Neuropathy
Balanced Pain Management: A Comprehensive Approach
At the Edgewood Surgical Hospital Pain Management Center, we believe in a balanced approach to pain management. This means we consider all aspects of your health and well-being when developing your treatment plan. Our goal is not just to reduce pain, but to improve your overall quality of life and help you return to the activities you enjoy.
Balanced pain management involves
- Thorough evaluation of your condition
- Customized treatment plans
- Combination of various therapeutic modalities
- Regular assessment and adjustment of your treatment
Balanced pain management involves Our approach may include minimally invasive interventional procedures, medication management when appropriate, and collaboration with other healthcare providers such as physical therapists and mental health professionals.
- Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection
- Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection
- Cervical Facet Radiofrequency Neurotomy (RFA)
- Genicular Nerve Ablation (RF Neurotomy)
- Hip Joint Injection
- Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
- Medial Branch Block
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) for Pain
- Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection
- Steroid Injection for Shoulder Bursitis
- Spinal Cord Stimulator Implant (Trial Procedure)
- Trigger Point Injections
Medication Education:
Early Intervention: The Key to Effective Pain Management
When it comes to chronic pain, early intervention can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. The sooner pain is diagnosed and treated, the easier it often is to manage effectively.
If you’re experiencing pain that:
· Persists beyond a few months
· Interferes with your daily activities
· Affects your mood or relationships
· Doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments
We encourage you to seek professional help. Don’t wait for the pain to become severe or debilitating before reaching out. Early treatment can help prevent the pain from becoming chronic and may reduce the need for more intensive interventions in the future.
Take our chronic pain assessment below to see if you or your loved ones might benefit from pain management!
At the Edgewood Surgical Hospital Pain Management Center, we’re here to help you take control of your pain before it takes control of your life. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step towards effective pain management.
Edgewood Pain Management Screening
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do I know if I’m a good candidate for pain management treatment?
A: If you’re experiencing chronic pain that affects your daily life and hasn’t responded well to other treatments, you may benefit from our services. We recommend scheduling a consultation to evaluate your specific condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Q: What can I expect during my first visit?
A: During your initial consultation, we’ll conduct a thorough assessment of your pain, medical history, and treatment goals. This information helps us create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
Q: Does pain management mean I have to take pills everyday?
A: No, we offer a balanced approach to pain management that may include minimally invasive procedures, physical therapy, and medication management when appropriate. Our goal is to find the most effective combination of treatments for each patient.
Q: What is pain management?
A: Pain management involves medical treatments, therapies, and lifestyle strategies to reduce or manage pain and improve quality of life. It can address both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) pain.
Patient Testimonials
Click to hear Carol’s Story
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