Imagine Your Life
Without Chronic Pain

Imagine Your Life Without Chronic Pain

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 24% of American adults suffer from chronic pain, which has been linked to numerous physical and mental health conditions and is often unresponsive to medication and physical therapy.

This condition may arise as a result of injury, aging, acute injury, genetic predisposition, or nerve damage. It takes several forms, ranging from arthritis to neuropathy, and requires integrated treatment and symptom management that addresses each patient’s physical and psychological health. At our Mill Valley clinic serving San Francisco and the Bay Area, our pain specialists can help you achieve successful remission from chronic pain through our unique approach to treatment and the highest quality of care.

Want to know more? Contact our intake team and book a free information session.

Our Director of Recovery Medicine, Dr. Howard Kornfeld, MD, is an experienced emergency physician, board-certified in both pain and addiction medicine, who taught as a clinical faculty member in the pain fellowship program at UCSF over the last twenty years. He is also a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Chronic Pain Conditions Treated at Our Bay Area Pain Clinic

Low Back & Spine Pain (Including Neck Pain)

The lumbar region can produce intense pain, which results in a patient struggling to sit, move, or stand up straight. Chronic back pain may be caused by bulging or ruptured discs, sciatica, muscle strain, arthritis, osteoporosis, and even poor posture. Risk factors include age, excess weight, improper lifting, lack of exercise, smoking, and diseases such as cancer. Recovery Without Walls has developed a sophisticated program for the treatment of low back and spine pain.

Headache & Migraine Pain

An estimated 3.3 million Americans have chronic migraines, and even more deal with chronic headaches. People with these conditions will experience headaches 15 or more days each month for longer than three months. The pain is constant and incapacitating, resulting in nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Causes may include inflammation of blood vessels around the brain, infection, intracranial pressure, or traumatic brain injury. Our expert clinicians will combine cutting-edge pharmacology and holistic therapies for the treatment of chronic headache and migraine.

Cancer Pain & Neuropathic Pain

Many cancer patients find neuropathic pain to be completely debilitating. Also called nerve pain, this category of chronic pain leads to loss of function, increased sensitivity, and spontaneous pain. It may result from direct damage to the nervous system from a tumor or from cancer treatments like chemotherapy. Left untreated, this diagnosis holds worse outcomes for older patients. For successful resolution, nerve pain requires a tailored therapeutic approach from a Bay Area pain clinic.

Buprenorphine for Pain

Effective, Evidence-Based Treatment for Chronic Pain

Buprenorphine, also called Suboxone, is an FDA-approved medication commonly used in the treatment of addiction. In recent years, it has also been found to be extremely effective for the management of acute and chronic pain. Dr. Howard Kornfeld of Recovery Without Walls has pioneered the use of buprenorphine (Suboxone) for the treatment of chronic pain in the United States. His published innovations have received wide recognition and support.

Most often used to replace other, often ineffective, opioid medications that carry higher risks, buprenorphine can be carefully provided to a wide range of patients suffering from chronic pain — including the elderly — and become a quality-of-life-restoring treatment strategy.

Advanced Pharmacology for
Non-Addictive Pain Relief

Because it is a partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine holds much less addictive potential than other opioid drugs on the market. Suboxone’s unique pharmacology acts on certain areas of the brain – providing potent relief from pain and opioid withdrawal – while behaving as an antagonist on other opioid receptors. This means that people taking this medication do not experience the euphoria associated with heroin and other opioid derivatives.

Buprenorphine is effective for patients with chronic pain or pain complicated by opioid dependence. Studies of patients who transitioned from high-dose opioids to Suboxone have documented improved pain control, improved control of psychiatric symptoms, and a much lower risk of overdose. Patients treated with buprenorphine show improved social functioning, increased retention in treatment, reduced criminal activity, and lower rates of illicit substance use.

Medication management

Functional Medicine for Pain Management

Benefits of Holistic Pain Management

Chronic pain is not a simple issue with one universal treatment. Instead, its resolution requires patient-centered care addressing the whole person. Our team analyzes each client’s history; current medications; and physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. In integrative medicine, the patient’s environment, biochemistry, personal needs, and circumstances inform a multifaceted approach to chronic pain management that minimizes invasive procedures.

Through personalized care and customized treatment plans, individuals in the Recovery Without Walls integrative pain management program find a worthwhile, effective path to healing backed by the expertise of our clinical team.

Schedule an Information Session

Are you interested in healing completely: physically, mentally, and spiritually? Contact Recovery Without Walls to learn more about our integrated, comprehensive approach to pain management and drug and alcohol addiction treatment through customized treatment plans. We’ll evaluate your medical history and collaborate with your primary care provider for an effective treatment experience.

Functional Medicine for Pain Management

Benefits of Holistic Pain Management

Chronic pain is not a simple issue with one universal treatment. Instead, its resolution requires patient-centered care addressing the whole person. Our team analyzes each client’s history; current medications; and physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. In integrative medicine, the patient’s environment, biochemistry, personal needs, and circumstances inform our approach to chronic pain management.

Through personalized care and customized interventions, individuals in the Recovery Without Walls integrative pain management program find a worthwhile, effective path to healing backed by the expertise of our clinical team.

Integrative Pain Management at Recovery Without Walls

Nutritional support

Psychotherapy

Psychopharmacology

Acupuncture

Vitamins and supplements

Meditation and mindfulness

Exercise programming

Massage therapy

Lifestyle changes and support

Tell Us How We Can Help

Reach out to Recovery Without Walls today.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Low Back, Neck, and Spine Pain

    What causes low back, neck, and spine pain?

    Pain in the spine, whether located in the lower back or the neck, can result from a wide range of causes. At Recovery Without Walls, our pain specialists in the San Francisco Bay Area understand that back and neck pain often emerge from a complex mix of physical stress, injury, and underlying health conditions.

    Common contributors include:

    • Repetitive strain injuries (e.g., from heavy lifting or prolonged desk work)
    • Herniated or bulging discs
    • Osteoarthritis or degenerative disc disease
    • Spinal cord compression or nerve impingement
    • Muscular tension or weakness
    • Acute injuries or fractures
    • Poor posture and ergonomics
    • Congenital spine abnormalities
    • Stress, which can increase muscle tightness and pain intensity
    • Obesity, smoking, or lack of physical activity

    Whether your symptoms began suddenly or developed gradually over time, our comprehensive pain management approach helps identify the underlying issues and guides you toward lasting relief.

    What are the symptoms of low back and neck pain?

    Pain in the spine can vary widely in location and severity. Symptoms may be mild and episodic or sharp and persistent.

    Common signs include:

    • Stiffness or aching along the spine from the neck to the lower back
    • Sharp, burning, or radiating pain that travels into the limbs
    • Tingling or numbness in the arms, legs, or buttocks
    • Headaches originating from the base of the skull
    • Difficulty standing, sitting, or sleeping due to discomfort
    • Sudden loss of mobility or muscle weakness

    Severe symptoms, such as loss of bladder or bowel control or progressive limb weakness, may indicate a medical emergency and require immediate evaluation.

    How is back and neck pain diagnosed?

    Your treatment plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation by a pain management physician.

    This often includes:

    • A physical examination and review of your medical history
    • Diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays or MRI scans) to assess bones, discs, and soft tissue
    • Blood tests to rule out infection or autoimmune causes
    • Functional movement assessments to evaluate strength, balance, and mobility

    At our San Francisco Bay Area clinic, we prioritize a multifaceted diagnostic process to uncover the root cause of your pain, rather than simply treating the symptoms.

    What treatment options are available for chronic spine and neck pain?

    Recovery Without Walls offers a broad spectrum of advanced and holistic treatments designed to improve your quality of life and restore functionality.

    Depending on your condition, our tailored care plans may include:

    • Buprenorphine (Suboxone): A highly effective, FDA-approved option for managing chronic pain, especially when opioid tolerance or dependence is a concern
    • Integrative medicine: Including acupuncture, nutrition, body awareness, and stress management
    • Physical therapy and guided exercises: To strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent recurrence
    • Anti-inflammatory or neuropathic medications: Carefully selected to reduce pain signals without dependency
    • Trigger point injections or nerve blocks: For localized relief
    • Osteopathic manipulation or spinal mobilization therapies
    • Spinal cord stimulation and basivertebral nerve ablation for certain chronic spine pain cases

    We emphasize a collaborative care model, often incorporating internal medicine, counseling, and complementary treatments to address pain from every angle.



    What is the difference between acute and chronic back or neck pain?

    Acute pain typically follows a specific injury or trauma and resolves within a few weeks. Examples include muscle strains or whiplash. This type of pain usually responds well to rest, over-the-counter medications, and gentle movement.

    Chronic pain, on the other hand, persists for three months or more and may continue even after the original injury has healed. It often requires a more nuanced and ongoing treatment plan. Chronic back and neck pain can interfere with sleep, emotional health, and overall quality of life, necessitating expert care from a pain management specialist.

    How can I prevent back and neck pain?

    Our pain specialists encourage proactive strategies for long-term spinal health.

    Preventive measures include:

    • Maintaining proper posture when sitting, standing, or sleeping
    • Using ergonomic workspaces to avoid repetitive strain injury
    • Regular stretching and strengthening exercises
    • Avoiding smoking and managing weight
    • Practicing safe lifting techniques
    • Addressing stress to reduce muscle tension
    • Staying consistent with physical therapy or movement routines

    If you’re unsure about your risk factors, our San Francisco clinic can provide an ergonomic assessment and tailored wellness recommendations.



    When should I seek care from a pain specialist?

    You should contact a pain management physician if you experience:

    • Pain that doesn’t improve after several weeks of self-care
    • Numbness or tingling in the limbs
    • Severe, shooting pain or weakness in the arms or legs
    • Loss of bladder or bowel control
    • Persistent pain after surgery or injury
    • Unintentional weight loss or fever in conjunction with back or neck pain

    Our team at Recovery Without Walls offers same-day and virtual care options for patients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Whether you’re seeking a second opinion or developing a long-term treatment plan, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

    How do I get started?

    To begin your journey toward pain relief, schedule an intake call with our Mill Valley clinic today.

    Our compassionate staff can help you:

    • Discuss your symptoms and treatment goals
    • Review your insurance card and provider information
    • Answer any follow-up questions about your care
    • Access our digital patient portal and appointment scheduling

    Headache & Migraine

    What’s the difference between a headache and a migraine?

    While both conditions cause pain in the head, migraine is much more than just a headache. A migraine is a complex neurological disorder involving abnormal brain activity, and it often brings symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. Migraine episodes can be debilitating and long-lasting—sometimes stretching over several days.

     

    In contrast, headache is a general term that refers to pain in the head, scalp, or neck. Headaches can result from tension, dehydration, sinus pressure, or a wide range of other factors. While migraines are a specific type of headache, not all headaches qualify as migraines.

     

    If you’re living with chronic pain in the form of frequent or severe head pain, our pain specialists in San Francisco can provide a comprehensive evaluation and help you access advanced treatment options tailored to your needs.




    How can I tell if I’m having a migraine attack?

    Migraine attacks often feel more intense than typical headaches. Pain is usually moderate to severe, often focused on one side of the head, and may feel pulsating or throbbing.

     

    Common accompanying symptoms include:

    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Sensitivity to light, sound, or smells
    • Dizziness or vertigo
    • Difficulty concentrating

    Some individuals also experience warning signs—known as a prodrome—hours or even days before the migraine pain begins. These can include mood changes, neck stiffness, or food cravings. Recognizing early signs allows patients to take action sooner, potentially preventing the attack from escalating.

     

    If you’re experiencing these symptoms regularly, Recovery Without Walls offers comprehensive care for chronic pain and migraines with both pharmacologic and holistic treatment options.

    Are dizziness, nausea, or touch sensitivity related to migraines?

    Yes. Migraine symptoms often go beyond head pain.

     

    Many patients report:

    • Dizziness or vertigo (sometimes linked to vestibular migraine)
    • Nausea and vomiting
    • Neck pain and tightness
    • Heightened sensitivity to touch (a condition called allodynia, where light contact like brushing your hair can feel painful)

    These symptoms are part of how the nervous system misprocesses pain signals during a migraine attack. Our San Francisco-based pain management clinic offers a multifaceted approach to managing complex symptoms like these.

    What is migraine aura?

    A migraine aura is a set of neurological disturbances that often occur before the onset of migraine pain. Though only about one-third of migraine sufferers experience aura, it can be a key diagnostic factor.

     

    Aura symptoms may include:

    • Visual changes (flashing lights, zigzag patterns, blind spots)
    • Tingling or numbness in the face, hands, or limbs
    • Trouble speaking or finding words

    Aura usually lasts between 5 and 60 minutes. In some cases, people experience aura without subsequent head pain. If this is happening to you, we recommend speaking to a pain management physician who understands the full spectrum of migraine-related symptoms.

    When should I be concerned about migraines?

    If your migraine episodes are becoming more frequent, intense, or unpredictable, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider. You may be developing chronic migraine, defined as experiencing migraine symptoms on 15 or more days per month for over three months.

     

    Seek immediate medical attention if:

    • You experience the sudden onset of a severe headache
    • Your headache is accompanied by confusion, slurred speech, or vision loss
    • Your headache pattern changes significantly

    These may indicate serious medical conditions beyond migraine, including stroke.

     

    Our clinic specializes in advanced pain management and offers same-day and virtual care options for patients across the San Francisco Bay Area.

    Who should I talk to about migraine and headache treatment?

    Start with your primary care provider, but for persistent or complex symptoms, a referral to a board-certified pain specialist or neurologist may be appropriate. At Recovery Without Walls, we provide integrative pain management services led by a double board-certified anesthesiologist with decades of experience treating chronic pain conditions, including migraines.

     

    We collaborate with your existing healthcare team to ensure comprehensive treatment plans that include:

    • Medication management (including non-addictive pain medications like buprenorphine)
    • Lifestyle and nutritional counseling
    • Mind-body therapies and complementary treatments

    Support for pain conditions complicated by opioid dependence

    What migraine symptoms should I track in a headache diary?

    Keeping a headache diary can help both you and your care team recognize patterns and triggers.

     

    Track:

    • Pain location and intensity
    • Duration of each episode
    • Presence of aura, nausea, or sensory changes
    • Menstrual cycle (for hormone-related migraine)
    • Possible triggers (foods, sleep patterns, stress, weather, etc.)

    This record helps our pain management physicians in San Francisco customize your treatment based on both your symptom profile and your unique lifestyle.

    Are there lifestyle changes that can help prevent migraines?

    Absolutely. While some migraine triggers are unavoidable, many people benefit from lifestyle adjustments such as:

    • Eating regular, balanced meals and avoiding skipped meals
    • Staying well-hydrated
    • Getting quality sleep (7–8 hours per night)
    • Exercising regularly
    • Reducing stress through mindfulness, yoga, or therapy

       

    At Recovery Without Walls, we believe that whole-body wellness is essential for long-term relief from pain. Our multidisciplinary team can support you with personalized treatment plans designed to minimize attacks and restore your quality of life.

    Cancer Pain & Neuropathic Pain

    What is cancer-related pain?

    Cancer pain refers to discomfort caused either by the disease itself or by its treatments. It can range from mild to severe and may affect your ability to sleep, eat, move, or participate in daily life. Pain doesn’t have to be accepted as part of the cancer experience—effective, compassionate care is available, and managing pain is a key part of your healing journey.

     

    At Recovery Without Walls, we offer a holistic and integrative approach to cancer pain treatment—prioritizing both your physical comfort and your overall well-being.

    What types of pain do people with cancer experience?

    Cancer-related pain varies widely, but it’s usually classified by duration or origin. Understanding what type you have can help shape a personalized treatment plan.

    By Duration:

    • Acute pain: Sudden, short-term pain often caused by surgery or injury.
    • Chronic pain (persistent pain): Ongoing pain lasting weeks, months, or longer. It may result from tumor growth, nerve damage, or treatment side effects.
    • Breakthrough pain: A sudden flare-up of pain despite ongoing medication. It may occur with activity (incident pain) or as medication wears off (end-of-dose pain).

    By Source:

    • Nerve pain (neuropathic pain): Burning, tingling, or shooting pain caused by nerve damage due to surgery, chemotherapy, or tumors pressing on nerves.
    • Bone pain: Dull or throbbing pain resulting from cancer spreading to the bones.
    • Visceral pain: Discomfort in internal organs, often diffuse and hard to pinpoint.
    • Soft tissue pain: Aching or sharp pain from muscle or organ damage.
    • Phantom pain: Pain in a part of the body that has been surgically removed.
    • Referred pain: Pain felt in one part of the body that originates from another (e.g., liver tumors causing shoulder pain).
    What causes cancer pain?

    Pain can arise from several sources, including:

    • Tumor growth: Pressing on nerves, bones, or organs.
    • Cancer treatments: Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy may result in inflammation, nerve damage, or long-term pain.
    • Medical procedures: Lumbar punctures, biopsies, or IV placements can cause short-term discomfort.
    • Blockages: Tumors may obstruct vital pathways, leading to pain in affected organs.
    What is neuropathic pain, and how is it treated?

    Neuropathic pain—also known as nerve pain—is caused by damage or pressure on the nervous system. People often describe it as burning, stabbing, tingling, or electric-like. It may come and go or be constant, and even light touch or pressure can become painful.

     

    Common causes include:

    • Chemotherapy-induced nerve damage
    • Surgical nerve trauma
    • Cancer pressing on the spinal cord or peripheral nerves
    • Chronic conditions like diabetes

    Effective treatments include:

    • Buprenorphine (Suboxone): A game-changing therapy pioneered by our founder, Dr. Howard Kornfeld, buprenorphine offers effective relief for nerve-related pain with a significantly lower risk of dependency than traditional opioids.
    • Non-opioid medications: Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and topical treatments.
    • Integrative therapies: Physical therapy, acupuncture, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based techniques.
    • Lifestyle interventions: Gentle exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress reduction practices.

    At Recovery Without Walls, we often combine multiple strategies to restore functionality and improve your quality of life.

    How does buprenorphine help with cancer and neuropathic pain?

    Buprenorphine, a partial opioid agonist, offers powerful pain relief without the risks commonly associated with traditional opioids. Unlike full agonists (like oxycodone or morphine), buprenorphine has a ceiling effect that reduces overdose risk and dependency while still effectively managing moderate to severe pain.

     

    Benefits of buprenorphine for pain management:

    • Potent relief for chronic or treatment-resistant pain
    • Safer profile for elderly or medically complex patients
    • Reduced risk of respiratory depression or overdose
    • Improved emotional well-being and sleep quality
    • Lower potential for addiction and misuse

    Dr. Kornfeld’s nationally recognized work in buprenorphine-based pain management places Recovery Without Walls at the forefront of safe, effective, and evidence-based pain relief.

    What happens if my current pain treatment isn’t working?

    If you’re still experiencing pain despite treatment—or if your medications are causing unwanted side effects—it’s time to explore more comprehensive, personalized options. Pain that is inadequately treated can increase fatigue, reduce appetite, interfere with healing, and affect your emotional health.

     

    We will:

    • Reassess your current pain management plan
    • Identify any underlying contributors to unresolved pain
    • Offer non-addictive pain relief options, including buprenorphine

    Support you with mind-body approaches, including functional medicine, psychotherapy, and integrative therapies

    Can emotional health affect my experience of pain?

    Absolutely. Chronic pain and mental health are deeply connected. Anxiety, depression, and emotional distress can make pain feel more intense and harder to cope with. That’s why our care team includes experts in psychiatry, psychotherapy, and integrative mental health—so we can support you emotionally while managing your physical symptoms.

     

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed, low in mood, or anxious about your pain, we’re here to help.

    What can I do at home to manage cancer or nerve pain?

    In addition to medical treatment, these strategies can help reduce pain and improve your day-to-day quality of life:

    • Keep a pain journal to track triggers, timing, and effectiveness of treatments.
    • Stay gently active with stretching, walking, or swimming (as advised).
    • Use hot/cold packs or massage for local relief.
    • Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
    • Structure your day to alternate harder tasks with easier ones.
    • Prioritize sleep and create a calming nighttime routine.

    Engage in joyful activities to shift focus away from discomfort.

    When should I contact my care team?

    Call your care team or seek medical attention if:

    • Your pain worsens or becomes unbearable
    • You experience new symptoms (e.g., numbness, weakness, fever)
    • You can’t sleep, eat, or function due to pain
    • You feel sad, hopeless, or anxious for more than a few days
    • You’re having trouble taking medications as prescribed
    • You experience side effects like vomiting, constipation, or dizziness

    We're here to listen—and to help.

    Why choose Recovery Without Walls for cancer and nerve pain?

    Recovery Without Walls is a Bay Area pain clinic known for its innovative, non-addictive approach to pain management. Led by Dr. Howard Kornfeld, our practice is rooted in functional medicine, advanced pharmacology, and personalized care. We specialize in buprenorphine therapy for patients seeking pain relief without the complications of traditional opioid use.

     

    Whether you're recovering from cancer, managing neuropathic pain, or living with complex chronic pain conditions, we’ll design a care plan tailored to your body, mind, and lifestyle.

    Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

    What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)?

    Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic, often debilitating condition that typically affects a limb after an injury, surgery, or other trauma. The hallmark of CRPS is intense, persistent pain that seems disproportionate to the initial injury. It most often affects the arms, legs, hands, or feet and may involve swelling, temperature changes, skin discoloration, and hypersensitivity to touch or cold.

     

    At Recovery Without Walls, we understand the complexity of CRPS and provide evidence-based, integrative care that supports both pain relief and long-term healing.

    What are the symptoms of CRPS?

    CRPS symptoms vary from person to person but often include:

    • Burning, throbbing, or shooting pain in the affected limb
    • Extreme sensitivity to touch or temperature
    • Swelling and stiffness in joints
    • Skin changes (color, temperature, texture)
    • Abnormal hair or nail growth
    • Muscle weakness, tremors, or spasms
    • Limited mobility in the affected area

    Over time, these symptoms can become more severe and lead to muscle wasting, joint contractures, and even permanent disability if left untreated. Early intervention is crucial for the best possible outcomes.

    What causes CRPS?

    The exact cause of CRPS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve abnormal responses in the peripheral and central nervous systems following an injury.

     

    CRPS is generally categorized into two types:

    • Type 1 (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) – Occurs without confirmed nerve damage
    • Type 2 (Causalgia) – Occurs after a confirmed nerve injury

    Triggers may include fractures, surgeries, sprains, infections, or cardiovascular events like strokes and heart attacks. Not everyone who experiences these traumas will develop CRPS, indicating a unique interplay between the nervous and immune systems.

    When should I seek medical help for CRPS?

    If you’re experiencing severe, ongoing pain in a limb that worsens with movement or touch — especially if it's accompanied by skin, temperature, or color changes — it’s essential to see a pain specialist as soon as possible. Prompt diagnosis and early treatment significantly improve the chances of symptom reversal.

     

    Recovery Without Walls specializes in early intervention strategies and advanced treatments designed to relieve pain and restore function holistically.

    How is CRPS treated at Recovery Without Walls?

    Treatment for CRPS often involves a combination of approaches to manage pain and restore function.

     

    At Recovery Without Walls, we offer:

    • Buprenorphine for chronic pain – We are national leaders in using low-dose buprenorphine (Suboxone) for treating complex pain conditions, including CRPS. Buprenorphine provides effective pain relief with a lower risk of addiction, making it a safer alternative to traditional opioids.
    • Functional medicine evaluations – We explore underlying imbalances in physical, emotional, and biochemical health that may contribute to pain.
    • Integrative therapies – Nutritional support, acupuncture, physical rehabilitation, mindfulness practices, and stress management techniques tailored to each patient's needs.
    • Psychiatric care – Addressing the emotional toll of chronic pain with trauma-informed therapy and support for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression.

    Our team collaborates closely to design a personalized, non-invasive pain management plan that reflects the full complexity of your experience with CRPS.

    Why does Recovery Without Walls use buprenorphine for pain instead of other opioids?

    Traditional opioids can carry significant risks, especially in patients with chronic pain, including dependency, tolerance, and reduced quality of life. Dr. Howard Kornfeld, founder of Recovery Without Walls, has been at the forefront of buprenorphine-based pain treatment for over two decades.

     

    Buprenorphine works differently than full opioid agonists. It provides strong analgesic effects with a ceiling effect that reduces the risk of respiratory depression and overdose. Unlike typical opioids, it does not produce euphoric effects, making it particularly suitable for patients with CRPS or those transitioning off other pain medications.

     

    Our clinical experience and research-backed protocols ensure that patients using buprenorphine experience:

    • Improved pain control
    • Greater stability and functionality
    • Lower risk of substance use issues
    • Better integration with mental health support
    Can CRPS go away on its own?

    In some cases, especially when diagnosed early, CRPS symptoms may resolve without long-term intervention. However, many individuals experience persistent or progressive symptoms that require specialized treatment. Without proper care, CRPS can result in irreversible changes, including muscle and bone deterioration.

     

    Recovery Without Walls offers a proactive, compassionate approach designed to intervene early and provide lasting relief through both pharmacologic and holistic therapies.

    Are there any ways to prevent CRPS?

    While CRPS cannot always be prevented, the following strategies may help reduce your risk:

    • Vitamin C supplementation after certain injuries, like wrist fractures, has been linked to lower CRPS rates.
    • Early mobilization after surgery or stroke can help prevent complications related to disuse and inflammation.

    If you are recovering from an injury or surgery and are concerned about CRPS, our team can help monitor your recovery and implement preventive strategies tailored to your needs.

    What makes Recovery Without Walls different from other pain clinics?

    Unlike conventional pain clinics that may rely heavily on opioids or invasive procedures, Recovery Without Walls delivers cutting-edge, integrative, and patient-centered care.

     

    Our approach emphasizes:

    • Safe, non-addictive pain medication, including buprenorphine
    • Personalized treatment planning based on functional medicine principles
    • A multidisciplinary team that collaborates across medical, psychiatric, and complementary therapies
    • Compassionate care grounded in deep listening and whole-person healing

    Our goal is not just symptom management — we support patients in reclaiming their lives from pain through advanced and ethical medical care.