Pain Management in Loganville, GA
Evidence-based pain management from a physician who was named Specialist of the Year for fighting the opioid epidemic.
Living with chronic pain changes everything — how you sleep, how you work, how you show up for the people who matter most. It doesn't have to be this way.
At Southern Comfort Pain & Wellness, we specialize in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic pain conditions using proven, evidence-based approaches. Our goal isn't just to manage your pain — it's to improve your quality of life, restore your function, and help you get back to the activities and people you love.
Dr. Michael Kissel brings over 20 years of experience in pain medicine and anesthesiology. In 2017, he was named Physician Specialist of the Year by the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce for his work fighting the opioid epidemic while still effectively managing his patients' pain. That philosophy — effective relief without unnecessary risk — is at the heart of everything we do.
Schedule a ConsultationConditions We Treat
Back & Spine
- Chronic low back pain
- Herniated and bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
- Failed back surgery syndrome
Neck
- Chronic neck pain
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Whiplash injuries
- Cervicogenic headaches
Joints
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Hip pain and arthritis
- Shoulder pain and frozen shoulder
- SI joint dysfunction
Nerve-Related
- Neuropathy
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles pain)
- PTSD (stellate ganglion block treatment)
Other
- Post-surgical pain
- Cancer-related pain
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Workers' compensation injuries
- Motor vehicle accident injuries
Our Treatments
We offer a range of injection-based and non-opioid treatments. Click any treatment to learn more about how it works and what to expect.
Iovera Cold Therapy
A revolutionary, drug-free treatment that uses targeted cold therapy to temporarily block pain signals. Immediate relief lasting up to 90 days. No medications, no surgery, no downtime.
Learn MoreEpidural Steroid Injections
Targeted injections that deliver anti-inflammatory medication to the epidural space around spinal nerves. We perform both caudal and transforaminal epidurals for back and leg pain.
Learn MoreFacet Joint Injections
For pain originating from the facet joints in your spine. These injections can both diagnose the source of your pain and provide therapeutic relief for neck and back pain.
Learn MoreJoint Injections
Direct injections into affected joints to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility. We treat knee, hip, shoulder, and sacroiliac joints using image-guided techniques.
Learn MoreNerve Blocks
Targeted nerve blocks that interrupt pain signals. Includes peripheral nerve blocks and stellate ganglion blocks for CRPS, arm/hand pain, and PTSD symptoms.
Learn MoreTrigger Point Injections
For myofascial pain and muscle spasms. These injections target painful 'knots' in muscle tissue for immediate relief.
Learn MoreThe Pain & Weight Loss Connection
Carrying extra weight puts added stress on your spine, knees, and hips — making chronic pain worse. And chronic pain makes it harder to exercise and stay active — making weight loss harder. We break that cycle.
As both a pain management and wellness practice, we're uniquely positioned to address both sides. Our medical weight loss programs (starting at $50) can complement your pain treatment plan.
Learn about our weight loss programsYour First Visit
At your first appointment, Dr. Kissel or Tiaya Welsh will:
- Review your medical history and current symptoms
- Perform a physical examination
- Review any imaging or diagnostic studies
- Discuss your treatment options and develop a personalized plan
- Answer your questions
Please bring your completed patient intake form, insurance card, photo ID, and any relevant medical records or imaging reports.
Insurance
We accept most major insurance plans. Please contact our office to verify your coverage before your visit.
Workers' comp & MVA: We treat patients with workers' compensation and motor vehicle accident claims. Additional documentation may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Your completed patient intake form (downloadable from our Forms page), insurance card, photo ID, a list of current medications, and any relevant medical records, imaging reports, or referral documentation from your physician.
Do I need a referral to see a pain management doctor?
Many insurance plans require a referral for pain management services. Please check with your insurance provider or contact our office — we're happy to help you understand your coverage.
What types of insurance do you accept?
We accept most major insurance plans. Please contact our office at 678-587-5993 to verify your coverage before your visit.
How long does a typical appointment take?
Initial consultations typically take 30–45 minutes. Follow-up visits and procedures vary depending on the treatment. Our team will give you a time estimate when you schedule.
Do you prescribe opioid medications?
Dr. Kissel believes in effective pain relief with minimal risk. While opioid medications may be appropriate for some patients, our practice emphasizes multimodal approaches — including injections, nerve blocks, and Iovera cold therapy — that address the source of pain rather than masking symptoms. Patients who are prescribed opioids will be asked to enter into a formal narcotic agreement.
Do you treat workers' compensation injuries?
Yes, we treat patients with workers' compensation and motor vehicle accident claims. Additional documentation may be required. Contact our office for details.
What is Iovera and how is it different from cortisone?
Iovera uses targeted cold therapy to temporarily freeze pain-signaling nerves, providing drug-free relief lasting up to 90 days. Unlike cortisone, Iovera doesn't introduce steroids into your body and can be repeated without the tissue-thinning risks associated with repeated steroid injections.
Can pain management help me avoid surgery?
In many cases, yes. Our injection-based treatments can provide significant pain relief and functional improvement that may reduce or eliminate the need for surgical intervention. Dr. Kissel will discuss all options with you and help you make an informed decision.
How can weight loss help with my pain?
Every extra pound puts additional stress on your weight-bearing joints (especially knees, hips, and spine). Research shows that even modest weight loss can significantly reduce joint pain and improve mobility. Our practice offers medical weight loss programs alongside pain management — so we can address both issues together.
Serving pain management patients in Loganville, Snellville, Grayson, Monroe, Conyers, Dacula, Lawrenceville, Bethlehem, and surrounding communities across Gwinnett, Walton, and Newton counties.
Ready to start feeling better?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your pain management options.