 Treatment Philosophy
As a pain management physiatrist, Dr. Tung's goal is to alleviate pain in order to maximize functional recovery. "My patients can get back to living their lives instead of being preoccupied with pain." Dr. Tung believes that treating pain, especially chronic pain, with medications alone is not beneficial. "Pain is multifaceted, usually having a specific 'pain generator,' a generalized central nervous system response to pain, a psychosocial component, and sometimes a related physical impairment. To effectively treat pain, we must address all of these components. As every patient's pain history is unique, the treatment plan must be individualized."
Dr. Tung is aggressive with diagnosis because he considers a clear diagnosis essential for effective treatment. "Too often, a nonspecific diagnosis of 'back pain/strain' or 'chronic pain' is given, resulting in nonspecific treatment, which in turn leads to unsatisfactory results. Using diagnostic injections, imaging tests, and electrodiagnosis in addition to the clinical exam, we can evaluate bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves in order to make a clear diagnosis and develop a specific treatment plan. I strongly believe in patient education as it is essential for patients to understand their diagnoses along with the rationale for treatment. This enables my patients to be active participants in their medical care, rather than passive recipients of pills and injections."
I strongly believe in patient education as it is essential for patients to understand their diagnoses along with the rationale for treatment. This enables my patients to be active participants in their medical care, rather than passive recipients of pills and injections.
Special Interests
Discography for the evaluation of discogenic pain, intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET), nucleoplasty, diagnostic/therapeutic spinal nerve root blocks, facet/zygapophysial joint injections, radiofrequency denervation of painful facet/zygapophysial joints, sacroiliac injections, electrodiagnosis, nonsurgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, musculoskeletal & sports medicine, the use of botulinum toxin for treatment of spasticity.
Professional Journey
Dr. Tung received his undergraduate degree from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. After graduating, he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana to work for the state health department and pursue graduate studies in public health. After completing his medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia, Dr. Tung completed his residency training in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation / New Jersey Medical School. He went on to complete a fellowship in interventional spine and pain medicine at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. Dr. Tung has been involved in clinical research throughout his medical career and has presented clinical research and case studies at national conferences and academic institutions. His research has involved new technology for the treatment of painful degenerative discs, evaluation of gait disorders, peripheral nerve disorders, and the use of botulinum toxin in the treatment of painful spasticity. Dr. Tung also has experience in sports medicine, providing game coverage and injury treatment for college and professional sports.
Professional Certifications & Associations
Dr. Tung is a member of the North American Spine Society, International Spine Intervention Society, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and is Advanced Cardiac Life Support certified.
Education
- B.S. from the College of William and Mary
- Masters in Public Health from Tulane University
- M.D. from the Medical College of Virginia
- Internal Medicine Internship at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital System.
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation residency at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation / New Jersey Medical School
- Interventional Spine and Pain medicine fellowship at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York
"When not with my patients, I enjoy... traveling the world, reading about world history and current events, playing guitar, tennis, skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing.
Joined the PainCare family: 2008
Can be seen in: Merrimack and Somersworth, NH |
