Uploaded October 2009 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In 1986, K. Dean Willis, M.D., felt led to approach the management of chronic pain in a different way. Until then, the standard approach was to try progressively stronger medications until something worked. If medications failed, nerve blocks were typically performed as the last resort for any pain relief. Dr. Willis felt so strongly because chronic pain has an impact on virtually every aspect of a patients life and it required a broad multi-disciplinary approach. He founded the Alabama Pain Center (APC) with that goal.
In addition to an array of medical treatments and interventions, patients at the APC undergo group counseling classes to help them learn more about the emotional and psychological impact of chronic pain. J. Michael George, Psy.D., leads participants through a variety of sessions to help them regain a better sense of worth and purpose.
In 1986, K. Dean Willis, M.D., felt led to approach the management of chronic pain in a different way. Until then, the standard approach was to try progressively stronger medications until something worked. If medications failed, nerve blocks were typically performed as the last resort for any pain relief. Dr. Willis felt so strongly because chronic pain has an impact on virtually every aspect of a patients life and it required a broad multi-disciplinary approach. He founded the Alabama Pain Center (APC) with that goal.
In addition to an array of medical treatments and interventions, patients at the APC undergo group counseling classes to help them learn more about the emotional and psychological impact of chronic pain. J. Michael George, Psy.D., leads participants through a variety of sessions to help them regain a better sense of worth and purpose.
