Two and a half years after having my herniated disk repaired, I was still unable to sleep at night or walk any significant distance because of pain/numbness/hypersensitivity in my left foot. The implementation [of the Spinal Cord Stimulator] was not as traumatic as I feared it would be, and the recovery period was only a little uncomfortable. After receiving the neuro-stimulator, [implanted by Dr. Cannella] I have been able to get a full night's sleep and to resume my exercise program, including swimming, walking, rowing and yoga. I no longer take any pain medication, either. Clearly, the procedure is not for everyone, but for my symptoms and my lifestyle, it has improved the quality of life enormously.

- Rex M.

I have always had trouble with my back. It has hurt so that sometimes I cannot function normally – Also going into my legs, especially my right leg…Dr. Garcia is the only Dr. to show me an X-ray and explain exactly what is going on and why. I trust Dr. Garcia 100%. After the procedure he performed (MILD.) I can stand up straight. I still have some pain but nothing like before. I would rate (the pain) a 12-15 before (the MILD procedure) and now its 2-5.

- Ron McW.

I cannot say enough about Dr. Garcia and the excellent care I receive. I feel as if Dr. Garcia gives me his total undivided attention to my health needs…Dr. Garcia has kept me pain free, improved my quality of life for at least four or more years – helping me avoid surgery of which I do not want to have.

- Butch S.

I began going to Space City Pain Specialists in 1994 after crushing my hand at work and having had 3 surgeries to correct the damage in '93, I developed RSD…I finally had a spinal cord stimulator implanted it worked great at easing the pain for several years. Then a few years ago I had a pain pump implanted. If it had not been for Dr. Joseph Alvarez, I don't know what would've happened to me. Thanks to him I am living a fairly normal life.

- Kerrie N.

On January 19th, 2007, I received an ANS Spinal Cord Stimulator (implanted by Dr. Alvarez) for relief of chronic back pain. This device reduced my pain at least 80 percent, for me was a godsend. I would recommend to anyone with chronic back pain to consider trying this system.

- E.W.L.

I have had numerous surgeries done since 2000 from an injury I suffered. The main issue has been not having bone fusion taking. My overall quality of life & pain level was nearly overwhelming. Dr. Garcia recommended ANS Nerve Stimulator as a possible solution. It has been 2 years since the procedure & my overall improvement has been tremendous. I have regained my quality of life & greatly reduced my pain level. Without Dr. Garcia and the Stimulator I am certain I would not be where I am today.

- Christopher N.

I was one of Dr. Alvarez's first patients in his pain medicine practice. I went to see Dr. Alvarez because of severe pain from a spinal cord injury. I have scar tissue that is wrapped around spinal nerves causing severe pain. Dr. Alvarez had to use several different therapies, treatment and medicines to find the ones that worked for me. Dr. Alvarez never gave up on me and always treated me with kindness, care and respect. I feel more like a friend than a patient with Dr. Alvarez. My pain is under control now. I'm able to work full time and do activities with my wife, children and grandchildren. Dr. Alvarez gave me my life back. I would recommend Dr. Alvarez to anyone with a pain problem.

- Chris R.