Chronic pain can affect your daily activities, sleep, and quality of life. A pain management specialist can help identify the cause and recommend suitable treatment options.
Bristol County, RI, and nearby areas offer access to physicians specializing in pain medicine, anesthesiology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
This guide covers 10 pain management specialists to consider, along with their areas of expertise, comparison points, and tips for choosing the right provider.
How We Selected These Pain Management Specialists
We considered the following factors when preparing this list:
- Medical specialty: Experience in pain medicine, anesthesiology, or physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Clinical focus: Relevant expertise in evaluating and managing acute or chronic pain.
- Location: Availability in Rhode Island or nearby communities that patients may consider.
- Professional information: Publicly available provider profiles and practice details.
- Patient suitability: The importance of finding a physician whose treatment approach, accepted insurance, and appointment availability match your needs.
The list is not a formal ranking, and inclusion does not guarantee that a physician currently accepts new patients or treats every type of pain.
List of 10 Pain Management Specialists in Bristol County, RI
Here are 10 pain management specialists to consider in Bristol County, RI, and nearby areas.
- Dr. Blanki Cherubini, M.D.
- Dr. Thomas Robert Rocco, MD
- Dr. Allison Louise Gorski
- Dr. Angela Haliburda, DO
- Dr. Keith Fragoza, MD
- Dr. M. Richard Pavao, MD
- Dr. Ian Alexis Rivera-Colon
- Dr. Shiqiang Tian, MD
- Dr. Pradeep Chopra, MD
- Dr. Angela Clyneta Anderson, MD
See below for details about each specialist’s background and area of expertise.
1. Dr. Blanki Cherubini, M.D.
Dr. Blanki Cherubini is one of the leading pain management specialists to consider in the Bristol County, RI, area.
Based at the Pain Center of Rhode Island, she has a professional background in physical medicine and rehabilitation, musculoskeletal medicine, and sports medicine.
Her expertise includes several areas relevant to pain care:
- Musculoskeletal pain: Evaluating pain affecting muscles, joints, and bones.
- Nerve-related conditions: Using electrodiagnostic testing to help assess certain nerve problems.
- Targeted injections: Using ultrasound-guided techniques when clinically appropriate.
Dr. Cherubini may be worth considering for patients seeking an assessment of persistent back, joint, or muscle pain.
Contact her practice to confirm available treatments, current appointments, and whether her services suit your condition.
2. Dr. Thomas Robert Rocco, MD – Pain Medicine
Dr. Thomas Robert Rocco Jr. is a pain medicine physician associated with Ortho Rhode Island in Warwick.
His public provider profile also lists an affiliation with Newport Hospital. His specialty involves evaluating pain conditions and helping patients explore appropriate treatment options.
Key details about Dr. Rocco:
- Specialty: Pain medicine
- Location: Warwick, Rhode Island
- Before booking: Ask about his experience treating your condition, available treatments, referral requirements, and insurance coverage.
Patients seeking pain management care in the region can contact his practice to confirm current services and appointment availability.
3. Dr. Allison Louise Gorski – Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Dr. Allison Louise Gorski has a public physician profile listing a practice address in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, and hospital privileges at Southcoast Health in New Bedford.
Her licensing records also indicate medical licensure in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Key details about Dr. Gorski:
- Specialty: Anesthesiology and pain medicine
- Location: Dartmouth, Massachusetts
- Before booking: Confirm whether she currently evaluates chronic pain patients, which treatments are available, and whether your insurance is accepted.
Patients considering Dr. Gorski should contact her practice or Southcoast Health to verify her current services and appointment availability.
4. Dr. Angela Haliburda, DO – Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Dr. Angela Haliburda is included among the potential pain care providers for this list. However, her current practice location and clinical services could not be independently verified from the available information.
Key details to verify:
- Specialty: Anesthesiology and pain medicine, as listed in the requested profile
- Practice location: Confirm through an official provider directory
- Before booking: Check her credentials, current services, and appointment availability.
Patients should verify her professional details through an official medical directory before arranging a consultation.
5. Dr. Keith Fragoza, MD – Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology
Dr. Keith Fragoza has a professional background in anesthesiology and pain medicine.
A medical publication lists his affiliation with the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine at Providence VA Medical Center and Brown University.
A provider directory also lists him in pain management in Weymouth, Massachusetts.
Key details about Dr. Fragoza:
- Specialty: Pain medicine and anesthesiology
- Listed location: Weymouth, Massachusetts
- Before booking: Confirm his current affiliation, availability, and experience treating your specific condition.
His background may be relevant to patients comparing regional pain management options. Contact the appropriate practice to verify his current services.
6. Dr. M. Richard Pavao, MD – Pain Medicine
Dr. M. Richard Pavao serves as Medical Director of Pain Management at Southcoast Health.
His training includes a residency in anesthesia, critical care, and pain medicine, followed by a pain medicine fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital.
His practice locations include Fall River, Massachusetts.
Key details about Dr. Pavao:
- Specialty: Pain medicine
- Practice location: Fall River, Massachusetts
- Professional background: Residency training and a fellowship in pain medicine
- Before booking: Ask about available treatments, referral requirements, and insurance coverage.
Although his practice is outside Rhode Island, Fall River may be accessible for some Bristol County residents seeking specialist pain care.
Confirm his current appointment availability and whether his services match your needs.
7. Dr. Ian Alexis Rivera-Colon – Pain Medicine
Dr. Ian Alexis Rivera-Colon is included in this list of potential pain management providers.
However, his current practice location, professional affiliations, and specific clinical services could not be independently verified from the available information.
Key details to verify:
- Specialty: Pain medicine, as listed in the requested profile
- Practice location: Confirm through an official provider directory
- Before booking: Verify his credentials, current affiliation, and experience treating your condition.
Patients should confirm these details through an official medical directory before scheduling an appointment.
8. Dr. Shiqiang Tian, MD – Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Dr. Shiqiang Tian, also known as Chris Tian, is a board-certified specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation with a focus on pain management.
He is affiliated with Rhode Island Hospital and University Orthopedics.
His clinical interests include spinal pain, musculoskeletal conditions, nerve pain, postsurgical pain, and headaches.
Key details about Dr. Tian:
- Specialty: Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Clinical focus: Spine-related, nerve, and musculoskeletal pain
- Treatment options: His professional profile lists epidural steroid injections, radiofrequency nerve ablation, and spinal cord stimulation.
Dr. Tian may be worth considering if you experience persistent back pain, nerve-related symptoms, or other musculoskeletal problems.
Contact his practice to discuss suitable treatment options and appointment availability.
9. Dr. Pradeep Chopra, MD – Pain Medicine
Dr. Pradeep Chopra practices at the Interventional Pain Management Center of Rhode Island in Pawtucket.
His clinical interests include lower back pain, migraines, neuropathic pain, postherpetic neuralgia, and myofascial pain.
He also has experience with complex regional pain syndrome, a condition involving persistent pain that may develop after an injury.
Key details about Dr. Chopra:
- Specialty: Pain medicine
- Practice location: Pawtucket, Rhode Island
- Clinical focus: Chronic, nerve-related, and complex pain conditions
Patients experiencing persistent or complex pain may consider consulting Dr. Chopra to discuss their symptoms, possible diagnoses, and appropriate treatment options.
10. Dr. Angela Clyneta Anderson, MD – Pain Medicine
Dr. Angela Clyneta Anderson is listed as a pain medicine physician in Providence, Rhode Island.
Her provider profile notes affiliations with Hasbro Children’s Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital, along with experience in pediatrics and hospice and palliative medicine.
Key details about Dr. Anderson:
- Specialty: Pain medicine
- Location: Providence, Rhode Island
- Professional interests: Her listed background includes pediatric care and hospice and palliative medicine.
Her experience may be relevant when exploring pain care for children or patients with complex medical needs.
Before scheduling, confirm her current services and whether she treats patients with your specific condition.
Comparison of These Specialists
The table below provides a quick overview of the physicians and their publicly documented areas of practice.
It is intended to support your research rather than rank the doctors by quality.
| Specialist | Specialty | Primary Focus | Key Expertise |
| Dr. Blanki Cherubini | Physical medicine | Muscle and joint pain | Sports medicine, injections |
| Dr. Thomas Rocco | Pain medicine | Pain evaluation | Pain treatment |
| Dr. Allison Gorski | Anesthesiology | Pain medicine | Services need verification |
| Dr. Angela Haliburda | Anesthesiology (listed) | Unverified | Credentials need verification |
| Dr. Keith Fragoza | Anesthesiology | Pain management | Pain medicine |
| Dr. M. Richard Pavao | Pain medicine | Chronic pain | Pain management leadership |
| Dr. Ian Rivera-Colon | Pain medicine (listed) | Unverified | Credentials need verification |
| Dr. Shiqiang Tian | Physical medicine | Spine and nerve pain | Interventional procedures |
| Dr. Pradeep Chopra | Pain medicine | Chronic and nerve pain | Complex regional pain syndrome |
| Dr. Angela Anderson | Pain medicine | Complex pain needs | Pediatric and palliative care |
Common Conditions Treated by Pain Management Specialists
Pain management doctors evaluate different types of pain and recommend treatment based on its cause, severity, and effect on daily life. Common conditions include:
- Back and neck pain: Discomfort caused by spinal conditions, muscle strain, or disc problems.
- Arthritis and joint pain: Stiffness and inflammation affecting the knees, hips, shoulders, and other joints.
- Nerve pain: Burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain associated with nerve damage or irritation.
- Sciatica: Pain that travels from the lower back through the buttocks and down the leg.
- Migraines and headaches: Recurrent head pain that may interfere with work and everyday activities.
- Postsurgical pain: Pain that continues after an operation and requires further assessment.
- Complex regional pain syndrome: Persistent pain that may develop after an injury or surgery.
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain: Ongoing discomfort affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones.
Treatment may include medication, physical rehabilitation, targeted injections, nerve procedures, or other approaches.
The appropriate option depends on the diagnosis and the patient’s medical history.
Cost of Pain Management in Bristol County, RI
The cost of pain management depends on the doctor, your condition, insurance coverage, and the treatment you need.
Common expenses include:
- Initial consultation
- Diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans
- Follow-up visits
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Injections or other pain treatments
How to manage costs: Contact the provider before your visit to ask about fees, insurance coverage, and out-of-pocket expenses. Also, check whether you need a referral or prior authorization.
How to Choose a Pain Management Specialist
Choosing the right pain management specialist can help you find suitable treatment for your condition. Consider these simple tips:
- Check qualifications: Look for proper medical credentials and experience treating your condition.
- Review treatment options: Ask about medications, physical therapy, injections, and other suitable treatments.
- Confirm insurance coverage: Check whether the doctor accepts your insurance.
- Consider location: Choose a practice that is convenient for appointments and follow-up visits.
- Read patient reviews: Look for feedback about communication, staff, and the overall care experience.
- Ask about costs: Understand consultation fees and possible treatment expenses before booking.
Most importantly, choose a specialist who listens to your concerns, explains treatment options clearly, and involves you in decisions about your care.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right pain management specialist can help you manage pain and improve your daily life. Bristol County residents can also explore providers in nearby Rhode Island and Massachusetts communities.
Dr. Blanki Cherubini, Dr. Shiqiang Tian, Dr. Pradeep Chopra, and Dr. M. Richard Pavao are among the physicians to consider based on their documented pain-related experience.
Before booking, verify each doctor’s credentials, current services, insurance coverage, and availability. Choose a specialist whose expertise and treatment approach match your needs.
