Introducing Dr. Pannozzo: Our New Expert in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation & Pain Management

We are excited to welcome Dr. Pannozzo to Desert Spine and Sports Physicians as an expert in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) and Pain Management. Dr. Pannozzo brings exceptional qualifications, including board certification in PM&R and a sub-specialty certification in Pain Medicine. 

A graduate of Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) and a Clinical Assistant Professor at Midwestern University, he has extensive expertise in advanced pain management techniques and has co-authored a renowned book on arthritis and chronic pain syndromes. Like the rest of the team at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, Dr. Pannozzo is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care to help those in pain regain their quality of life.

Meet Dr. Pannozzo

Dr. Pannozzo joins Desert Spine and Sports Physicians with an impressive PM&R and Pain Management background, underpinned by extensive education, specialized training, and a passion for patient care.

Dr. Pannozzo began his medical journey with a combined B.S./M.D. program, earning his degree in just six years and graduating Magna Cum Laude from Kent State University. He then completed his medical degree at NEOMED before pursuing a PM&R residency at The Ohio State University Medical Center.

Dr. Pannozzo then completed a fellowship with Physiatrist Associates, where he gained expertise in interventional pain techniques and innovative treatment approaches. His dedication to excellence is reflected in his Board Certification in PM&R and a sub-specialty certification in Pain Medicine through the American Board of Anesthesiology.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Pannozzo is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Midwestern University, where he mentors future medical professionals. He has co-authored Arthritis and Other Pain Syndromes.

Finally, Dr. Pannozzo is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the International Pain and Spine Intervention Society, the American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians, and the Society for Pain Practice Management.

Dr. Pannozzo’s Approach to Patient Care

A steadfast commitment to patient-centered care is at the heart of Dr. Pannozzo’s practice. Dr. Pannozzo takes the time to listen to each patient’s concerns, thoroughly understand their medical history, and collaborate on treatment goals that align with their lifestyle and priorities.

With a focus on non-surgical solutions, Dr. Pannozzo employs advanced, evidence-based techniques to alleviate pain and restore function. Some of these specialized techniques include:

• Inspan: Inspan is a spinal stabilization system that supports the spine through small implants, helping reduce lower back pain and improve movement without large incisions.

• Spinal Cord Implants: Spinal cord implants deliver mild electrical pulses to the spinal cord to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain, helping to relieve chronic back or leg pain.

• Peripheral Nerve Implants: These small devices are placed near specific nerves outside the spinal cord to block pain signals. They treat chronic pain in areas like the arms, legs, or joints when other treatments haven’t worked.

• Tenex Tenotomy: A Tenex Tenotomy is a procedure that removes damaged tissue from tendons. It’s commonly used for chronic tendon pain in areas like the elbow, shoulder, or Achilles tendon, and helps promote natural healing.

• Peripheral Joint Radiofrequency Ablation: This technique uses radiofrequency energy to target and deactivate specific nerves around joints causing pain. 

• Intracept: This procedure targets and disables nerves inside the spine responsible for chronic lower back pain, reducing discomfort and improving mobility.

• MILD (Minimally-Invasive Lumbar Decompression): This removes small pieces of bone and ligament through a tiny incision to relieve pressure on spinal nerves, easing back and leg pain caused by lumbar spinal stenosis.

• Sacroiliac Joint Fusion (Sacrix): This fusion technique stabilizes the sacroiliac joint using small implants, helping to reduce chronic lower back and pelvic pain while restoring joint function.

Whether addressing chronic pain syndromes, arthritis, or other complex conditions, his goal is to help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

Schedule an Appointment with Dr. Pannozzo

If you’re struggling with pain or physical limitations, Dr. Pannozzo and the Desert Spine and Sports Physicians team are here to help. With his expertise in non-surgical pain management and patient-centered care, Dr. Pannozzo is dedicated to finding the right treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Take the first step toward relief and restored function—schedule a consultation today and explore how we can help you live a healthier, more active life.