Chronic pain is a serious issue for many Americans, with approximately 51 million adults experiencing chronic pain in 2021 alone. It’s extremely debilitating and severely impacts lives from careers to personal relationships.
Seeing a pain management doctor is the first step in recovering your life, but it’s also overwhelming. You might be asking, why is my doctor sending me to pain management? What kind of treatments can I expect?
Learning the answers to these questions will allow you to navigate through treatments with a better understanding.
Keep reading this guide to learn what you need to know about seeing a pain management doctor.
Overview of Pain Management
Pain management clinics are healthcare facilities that focus on diagnosing and managing your chronic pain. Chronic pain is any pain that lasts over three months, despite the cause.
These clinics approach you as a whole person to get to the root of your pain. You’ll work with a team of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, psychologists, and more.
Pain management clinics treat various chronic pain conditions resulting from accidents or conditions like fibromyalgia.
Why Is My Doctor Sending Me to Pain Management?
If you have chronic pain that significantly impacts your daily functioning, your doctor will likely refer you to a pain management clinic for medical treatment. You’ll also be referred if you need a diagnosis for your chronic pain so you can begin treatment.
When you see a pain management doctor, they’ll do a physical exam and discuss your medical history. They’ll also review your symptoms and decide if you need any additional tests like an MRI or bloodwork to help determine the source of the pain.
What Are Common Treatment Options?
Once the doctor has completed a full assessment, they’ll form a custom treatment plan to address your pain.
First, your doctor will typically recommend lifestyle changes like a daily exercise routine and diet changes to ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs. It’s also essential to get enough sleep and manage your stress with meditation techniques.
Your doctor may recommend alternative pain treatments like acupuncture, massage, and water therapy. Behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you change negative thoughts and emotions related to pain.
Managing pain can also involve medication treatments. Medications range from over-the-counter options like Tylenol and Advil to prescription-strength anti-inflammatories and opioids to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Topical medications, muscle relaxants, and anti-depressants are also effective treatment options.
Certain types of chronic pain can benefit from injections that block pain messages from the nerves. In addition, many doctors prefer treatments like ketamine infusion therapy for chronic pain since they provide long-term pain relief.
Understanding Pain Management Treatment
Why is my doctor sending me to pain management? Now that you know the answer to this question, you’ll feel more comfortable at your appointment.
Make a list of questions before your appointment and don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. Remember, finding pain relief can take time and you may need to try different treatments to find the right combination.
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