Nena Vigil

My follow-up visit with Nena Vigil was extremely frustrating at Modern Pain & Spine. From the start, she was abrupt and repeatedly cut me off mid-sentence. I explained that I was on the lowest dose of a pain med prescribed by my primary while I established care, and that I was in the final stages of tapering off a low dose benzo for severe anxiety. Despite this, she kept interrupting to tell me, “We’re not giving you pain medicine,” as if I was there to request narcotics—which I clearly stated I was not. I tried multiple times to clarify that I only wanted to discuss a plan moving forward—specifically, how long I’d need to be off the benzo before I could transfer my pain management care. She wouldn’t let me finish a sentence and continued to talk over me. After I calmly asked her twice to please let me finish, she did it again. When I finally raised my voice slightly to say, “I understand you see drug seekers, but that’s not why I’m here,” she got a dramatic look of alarm, stood up… without making eye contact, and said she was leaving to get her manager. It was humiliating and completely unnecessary. No patient should be treated like that when trying to advocate for their care. Thankfully, Tracey came in afterward, listened without judgment, and professionally answered all the questions Nena wouldn’t allow me to ask. She reassured me I wouldn’t have to see Nena again and scheduled my follow-up once I finish my taper. Bottom line: Most of the staff here are fantastic—especially Tracey, Mallory, and Dr. Merhege. But if you value empathy, clear communication, and a provider who understands the complexity and vulnerability of chronic pain management, avoid scheduling with Nena Vigil. She does not demonstrate the patience or compassion this specialty demands.