Pain Institute of So Az
Pain Institute of So Az
by Kevin Boerup
Growing up in Tucson, Dr. Eric Cornidez saw firsthand what it meant for a community to face limited access to specialized care. Those early experiences shaped more than his interest in medicine. They gave him a clear purpose: to bring high-quality pain management back to the place that raised him. Today, as a physician leader and driving force behind the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona, he has helped grow a once small practice into a regional center known for compassionate care, advanced treatments, and innovation.
His path into medicine began with a curiosity about how the body works and how healing happens. That interest deepened through years of training, (at Stanford Medical and the Mayo Clinic) where he encountered the complexity of chronic pain. Unlike many conditions, chronic pain is often difficult to measure, treat, and even explain. During residency and specialized training, he became convinced patients needed more than short-term fixes or medication alone. They needed precise, image-guided procedures, coordinated care, and physicians willing to listen closely.
Returning to His Roots
That belief guided his decision to return home. Rather than building a career in a large, distant system, Dr. Cornidez chose Tucson. He joined a modest pain practice with a clear goal: to create a comprehensive, technologically advanced institute that could serve Southern Arizona at the level of major academic centers. Patients would no longer need to leave the region for cutting-edge care.
Over time, that vision became the Pain Institute of Southern Arizona. The organization expanded into a network of clinics and surgical centers with more than 20 providers and over a hundred employees. Despite that growth, its approach has stayed consistent. Care is personal. Patients are treated as individuals, not diagnoses, with a focus on improving quality of life rather than simply reducing symptoms.
Beyond the Basics
A key part of the Institute’s success is its range of treatment options. Traditional approaches like cortisone injections still play an important role, especially for inflamed joints or arthritis. But the practice has moved well beyond basic care.
One example is kyphoplasty, a minimally invasive procedure used to treat vertebral compression fractures. A small balloon is inserted into the damaged vertebra to create space, then stabilized with medical cement. The results can be significant and often fast. According to Dr. Cornidez, about 95 percent of patients experience meaningful pain relief.
For chronic back pain caused by arthritic joints in the spine, the team often uses radiofrequency ablation. This technique targets the small nerves that carry pain signals. By disrupting those signals, patients can experience months of reduced pain and improved function, often returning to activities they had given up.
One of the most advanced areas of care at the Institute is neuromodulation. These treatments use implanted devices to alter how pain signals travel through the nervous system. In spinal cord stimulation, small leads are placed near the spinal cord to deliver controlled electrical impulses that interfere with pain signals before they reach the brain. Peripheral nerve stimulation works similarly but targets specific nerves in different areas of the body.
These approaches have shown strong results, especially for conditions like neuropathy. In some cases, patients not only feel less pain but also see improvements in nerve function and circulation, allowing a meaningful return to daily life.
Their Mission
All of these treatments are guided by a clear mission: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and the community through compassion and innovation. That balance matters. Advanced tools and procedures are only effective when paired with a commitment to patient care.
New Tech
Technology plays a growing role across the organization. The Institute uses outcome-tracking systems to monitor patient progress over time. These tools help physicians understand how treatments are working in real-world conditions, allowing them to adjust care plans more precisely. Data supports better decisions without replacing clinical judgment.
On the administrative side, newer technologies are improving efficiency. Systems that assist with insurance approvals and documentation help reduce delays, making it easier for patients to access care.
Still, for Dr. Cornidez, technology is only part of the picture. His approach is grounded in a simple principle: treat every patient like family. That means being honest about expectations, staying persistent when answers are not clear, and taking the time to listen. It also extends into mentorship, helping train other clinicians and raise the standard of pain care in the region.
His story is one of returning home with purpose. From his early years in Tucson to his role as a physician leader, Dr. Eric Cornidez has focused on building something that serves both individuals and the community. The Pain Institute of Southern Arizona reflects that effort, bringing together advanced techniques, thoughtful technology, and compassion with one goal: helping patients regain control of their lives.
You Are Invited
Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates on our Grand Opening celebration, including ribbon-cutting ceremony details, event information, and exclusive behind-the-scenes highlights. We look forward to welcoming you to our newest location and celebrating this exciting new chapter together!