Neurologists can also specialize in pain management. As the name suggests, these doctors work with patients who have chronic ailments that require opioids or other long-term medications. A medical pain management specialist can be anyone from a family medicine doctor to an internal medicine doctor or psychiatrist. For example, a patient on methadone for chronic pain would see a medical pain management specialist, not an interventional pain management doctor.
A medical pain management specialist is especially useful in navigating the many new regulations and laws regarding pain medications more on that later. For example, your PCP may order X-rays, prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or send you to physical therapy. In some cases, a PCP may have managed an ailment for years with conservative treatment, then refers you directly to a pain specialist when the situation turns chronic.
While pain specialists treat a litany of ailments, spine disorders, including herniated discs in the lumbar back or cervical neck spine, are the most common issues. You may also see a pain specialist after a hernia repair for a nerve block in your groin, or a neurologist may refer you to a pain specialist to receive nerve blocks for chronic headaches.
Whatever your ailment, Dr. Walia says a pain specialist will work with your other physicians to provide you with a multidisciplinary plan, whether it's physical therapy, appropriate medications, injection therapy or surgery. If the plan changes or grows in a different direction, then we'll accept that if we need to. If you think your pain has become unmanageable and you need to see a pain specialist, Dr. Walia suggests researching names before asking your PCP for input.
Tell your PCP your concerns and ask them if a pain specialist is appropriate. Once you find a doctor, preparing for your visit will make for as smooth of a transition as possible. For starters, keep a pain journal to track your symptoms. Note where the pain is, what it feels like, the frequency of pain, if certain positions make it worse or if certain positions help the symptoms.
Records are important, too. At your appointment, tell your doctor if you have specific goals. There may be a remedy to bring you some relief so you can still enjoy certain hobbies. Lastly, bring a family member with you if your provider allows that.
First appointments can be overwhelming. Common conditions treated is these physicians include: arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, sciatica, and more. For one thing, they diagnose the specific cause of your pain and the underlying conditions that lead to it.
Take back pain, for example. It could be caused by many conditions ranging from poor posture at your work desk to a herniated disc to a degenerative condition like arthritis. Once a pain management doctor diagnoses your pain, he or she can find the therapy that works best for you based on their specialized training and the latest research.
Pain doctors often use a wide range of nonsurgical, interventional treatments — along with complementary therapies — as a way of reducing the amount of medication you need to take or to avoid the need for surgery. These may include massage, a weight loss regimen, acupuncture, exercise, yoga, meditation, physical therapy, dietary changes, or chiropractic care. They may also prescribe pain-killing medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , muscle relaxants, or antidepressants.
Living with any type of pain can be hard. It can cause many other problems. For instance, pain can:. Many people have a hard time describing pain. Think about these questions when you explain how the pain feels:. Your doctor or nurse may ask you to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain you can imagine.
Or, your doctor may ask if the pain is mild, moderate, or severe. Some doctors or nurses have pictures of faces that show different expressions of pain and ask you to point to the face that shows how you feel.
Your doctor may ask you to keep a diary of when and what kind of pain you feel every day. Everyone reacts to pain differently. Some people feel they should be brave and not complain when they hurt. Other people are quick to report pain and ask for help.
Worrying about pain is common. This worry can make you afraid to stay active, and it can separate you from your friends and family. Working with your doctor, you can find ways to continue to take part in physical and social activities despite having pain.
Some people put off going to the doctor because they think pain is part of aging and nothing can help. This is not true! It is important to see a doctor if you have a new pain. Finding a way to manage pain is often easier if it is addressed early. Treating, or managing, chronic pain is important. Some treatments involve medications, and some do not. Your treatment plan should be specific to your needs. Most treatment plans focus on both reducing pain and increasing ways to support daily function while living with pain.
Talk with your doctor about how long it may take before you feel better. Often, you have to stick with a treatment plan before you get relief. It's important to stay on a schedule.
Sometimes this is called "staying ahead" or "keeping on top" of your pain. Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects.
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