For Patients
Patient Care &
Education
Comprehensive, minimally invasive pain management - focused on restoring function and improving quality of life.
For Patients
Comprehensive, minimally invasive pain management - focused on restoring function and improving quality of life.
Approach to Care
Dr. Guarino addresses not only your symptoms but the underlying causes driving your pain. By combining evidence-based therapies, minimally invasive interventional procedures, and thorough patient education, he builds an individualized plan aimed at lasting relief - not just short-term management.
With over 25 years of clinical experience - including more than two decades directing pain management at Washington University / Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital - Dr. Guarino has helped tens of thousands of patients reclaim their lives from chronic pain. He now sees patients at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System in Effingham, IL.
Request an appointment
Conditions Treated
Dr. Guarino treats a broad range of chronic and complex pain conditions, with particular expertise in spinal, neurological, and post-procedural pain.
Herniated discs, degenerative spine disease, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, and muscle or facet-related pain - Dr. Guarino pinpoints the source and builds a targeted treatment plan.
Comprehensive evaluation and customized treatment for spinal cord injuries - including those resulting from trauma, surgical complications, or medical procedures - with the goal of restoring function and reducing pain.
Advanced diagnostic and interventional treatment for peripheral nerve injuries caused by trauma, surgery, or underlying medical conditions. Dr. Guarino tailors each plan to relieve pain and restore nerve function.
A multidisciplinary approach to one of pain medicine's most challenging conditions. Dr. Guarino's CRPS care combines advanced interventional therapies with medical management to reduce pain and prevent further disability.
When pain persists or worsens after surgery, specialized management is essential. Dr. Guarino identifies underlying causes and crafts treatment plans that may include interventional procedures, physical therapy, and targeted medication management.
Injuries sustained on the job require precise documentation and evidence-based treatment. Dr. Guarino provides comprehensive evaluations and treatment plans tailored to injured workers, helping facilitate recovery and a safe return to work.
Treatments & Procedures
A combination of minimally invasive interventional procedures, advanced therapies, and carefully managed medications - tailored to each patient's specific condition and goals.
Minimally invasive procedures that target specific pain generators with imaging guidance - providing significant relief without the risks of major surgery.
High-tech solutions for chronic pain that hasn't responded to conventional treatments. Spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation can dramatically reduce pain and improve daily function.
Carefully balanced pharmacological treatment that prioritizes efficacy and safety - minimizing side effects and preventing dependency while providing meaningful relief.
Pain management works best as part of a broader care strategy. Dr. Guarino coordinates with physical therapists, psychologists, and other specialists to address the whole person.
Patient Education & Resources
Dr. Guarino believes that an informed patient is better equipped to participate in - and benefit from - their own care. Beyond the clinic, he has dedicated significant effort to public education on pain management through writing, speaking, and community engagement.
Published by Johns Hopkins University Press
A practical, evidence-based guide to understanding and managing lower back pain - written for patients in plain language, without sacrificing clinical depth. Available through Barnes & Noble and major booksellers.
Dr. Guarino is available for patient education events, community health presentations, and medical group lectures on pain management, spine health, and chronic pain strategies. Inquire about speaking engagements.
Your First Visit
Dr. Guarino's approach is thorough, unhurried, and focused on understanding the full picture of your pain before any treatment is recommended.
Dr. Guarino reviews your full medical history, prior imaging (MRI, X-ray, CT), previous treatments, surgeries, and current medications before your appointment begins.
Your symptoms, their onset, and their impact on daily life are discussed in depth. Dr. Guarino takes the time to understand how your pain affects you - not just the diagnosis on paper.
A focused physical exam helps identify the pain generator and guides diagnostic or interventional recommendations. Additional testing may be ordered if needed.
A tailored plan is created - typically combining two or more treatment modalities - with clear goals, realistic expectations, and ongoing reassessment built in.
Insurance & Scheduling
Dr. Guarino's office works with a wide range of insurance providers and offers flexible payment arrangements for patients without coverage. Contact the office directly to confirm whether Dr. Guarino is in-network with your plan.
Current Practice Location
Director of Interventional Pain Management
Effingham, Illinois
Dr. Guarino also continues to accept medical-legal consulting engagements nationwide from this location.
Educational content for patients managing chronic pain - covering conditions, treatment options, procedures, and what to expect from care with Dr. Guarino.
Chronic neck pain can become overwhelming when injections, medications, surgery, or other treatments fail to provide lasting relief.
Watch on YouTubeLiving with chronic pain can affect far more than physical comfort. It can disrupt sleep, mood, work, relationships, daily function...
Watch on YouTubeBook an Appointment
Ready to take the first step toward better pain management? Fill out the form and Dr. Guarino's office will be in touch to coordinate your appointment.
Phone
Location
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System Effingham, IL
Ready to discuss your case? Reach out directly →