4 things to know about pain management doctors

A huge population around the world suffers from chronic pain. A severe health issue, pain does not only affect an individual physically but also creates an impact on the psychology. The condition severely affects the ability of the person to move around and lead a normal life and has a negative imprint on the mind. Chronic pain can be a repercussion of an old injury, treatments for diseases such as cancer, or even the result of conditions such as arthritis.

Pain cannot be treated completely without addressing its source. However, it can be effectively managed through various pain management techniques. These treatment methods aim at easing the discomfort while aiding individuals to lead a normal lifestyle. Pain management treatment is administered by doctors who specialize in medicine. These doctors use an effective combination of treatments which are believed to work best for an individual’s type of pain. Read on to more about pain management doctors.

Who is a pain management doctor?

• A pain management doctor is one who possess a special training required to evaluate, diagnose, and treat different types of pain.
• The doctors undergo a specialized training which is advanced in nature and thus aids in the effective treatment of pain. A doctor who specializes in pain management undergoes an additional fellowship training program that last for a year after their general studies.
• General physicians or primary care doctors can treat the cause of the pain; however, they might not be equipped to treat advanced types of pain. Thus, people with severe or advanced types of pain are referred to a pain management doctor.

When should one visit a pain management doctor?

The onset of an ailment calls for immediate care and treatment under a physical physician. While the source cause can be treated by the primary care doctor, one may not find satisfactory reduction in pain. If the pain is getting worse and the basic treatment method does not suffice, it is time to to seek a referral of a pain management doctor. One should visit the doctor if:

• The pain is interfering with the daily activities and taking over the usual capabilities.
• The pain continues to aggravate and has lasted for more than three months.
• There is no explainable reason or underlying cause of the pain which can be diagnosed by the primary physician.
• No natural remedies or medications are working in relieving the pain.

How should one prepare before visiting a pain management doctor?

It is imperative to be well-prepared before visiting a pain management doctor. Here are some things to know before consulting a pain management doctor:

• The doctor will focus on the exact cause of pain, thus, the patient must be upfront and honest about the pain that he/she experiences. One must make a clear list of facts to present to the doctor.
• Prepare a complete journal that lists the symptoms, triggers, and intensity of the pain being felt.
• One must also talk to the doctor about any medications that are being taken and what causes the pain to become better or worse.

How can one find the best pain management doctor?

After understanding that one requires a pain management doctor, an important task which lies ahead is to find the best one.

• The first thing to consider is the training and experience of the doctor. A board certification in pain management is an essential prerequisite.
• A referral from a general physician is a great way to get in touch with the most appropriate doctor to treat the pain. One can also use referrals from friends and family who have undertaken treatment through a pain management doctor.
• An online search can also help put one in contact with several well-renowned pain management specialists.

Pain is experienced different ways and intensities by every individual. Thus, even the effectiveness of pain management will differ from individual to individual. It is not wrong say that pain management doctors conduct a process of trial and error. A steroid injection may bring pain relief for an aching back, but it may not work for all individuals experiencing the same kind of pain. It is essential to note that one may have to undergo several pain management treatments before arriving at what works best. Moreover, pain management can last over a few sessions, but patients with chronic pain may require care that might last a lifetime.