What To Expect From Pain Management?

November 22, 2021

Many people mistakenly believe that pain management specialists only prescribe narcotic "painkillers" to treat their ailments.

The practice of pain medicine and pain management, however, is based on a diagnosis just like other medical specialties. A visit to a pain management specialist will result in unique treatment, just as a patient suffering from pain may go to a cardiologist to receive treatment for heart disease. The field of pain medicine deals with the treatment, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, Services Anesthesia and rehabilitation for painful disorders.

More Americans are affected by pain than heart disease, diabetes and cancer. About 116 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. This is pain lasting more than three months. 25 million suffer from acute pain.

The pain management specialist, just like other doctors, must evaluate each patient and develop a treatment plan that is based on their symptoms, examination, and other findings. The cardiologist will first need to examine you and make a number of determinations. This includes determining whether weight loss and exercise will help your heart disease, whether your blood pressure is high and you need medication to lower it, and whether your cholesterol levels are elevated.

Patients with heart disease are not all the same. It all depends on the cause. There are many treatment options for orthopedic or spinal pain, just as there are several options for heart disease.

Patients may visit a pain management doctor because they are "hurt" or because they have heart issues. However, not all pain responds to narcotics. Patients are often misinformed that they will receive narcotics if they visit the pain management physician.

The treatment of spinal and orthopedic pain is different from heart disease treatments. It all depends on the root cause of your problem.

It is important to recognize that there are many types of pain, including spinal and orthopedic. You might experience muscular pain, ligamentous or joint pain, as well as bone pain and pain due to herniated discs, a fracture or pinched nerves. Based on the cause of the pain, pain medications are prescribed.

Many patients who visit pain management do not require pain medication. Some patients may respond to injections, bracing, and physical therapy. We now know more about how poor posture and improper walking can lead to musculoskeletal pain. Physical therapy can be beneficial by using specialized exercises that are tailored to each patient's individual needs.

A physical therapy evaluation may show that the patient is experiencing pain due to poor movement, stiff muscles, tight muscles, weak muscles, weak muscle, postural problems, or tight muscles. We know from experience that patients with degenerative disk disease (a condition where the disk between the bones is worn down) can reduce the pressure by performing core exercises. This will help to eliminate or reduce the pain in the back.

As a cardiologist performs cardiac catheterizations, so do pain management doctors. Surgery should never be an option.

Most people don't ask the question "Do I need surgery?" when they first visit their cardiologist for a minor issue. Before undergoing surgery, one often wants to explore other options.

My experience has taught me that patients respond best to treatment by a pain management professional when they approach the issue with an open mind and are open to exploring all options, and not focusing on surgery or getting narcotics.

Because most people would prefer the cardiologist to explore all options before referring them to a surgeon, I chose the example of the doctor. This is the same approach one should take if they have an orthopedic problem or a spinal problem. Ask about non-surgical options if you have spinal or orthopedic pain.

Like the cardiologist and pain management physicians, they do not perform surgery. The cardiologist can perform interventional procedures, prescribe medications and manage your cardiac rehab program. A pain management physician also manages and directs physical therapy and rehabilitation programs, prescribes medication, and performs interventions. When necessary, both the pain specialist and the cardiologist will refer you to a surgeon.

Your treatment's success depends on your timing. It is important to get a heart evaluation immediately. You also shouldn't ignore pain in the spine or other areas. Too many patients delay seeking treatment with a pain specialist because they are too late. Early intervention, like other specialties can lead to a better outcome.

It is a process. There are many options available. And, more importantly, your pain treatment may differ from that of your neighbor. A pacemaker might be the best treatment for your spouse, but it may not be the right treatment for you if you visit a cardiologist.