What Does a Pain Management Doctor Do?

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The doctors who have specialization in accurately diagnosing the pain and treating patients who suffer from that pain are Pain Management Doctors. These doctors help alleviate chronic as well as acute pain. Their focus is on helping the patients find relief from the pain that is inflicting them.

What does a pain management doctor do? He uses a combination of different medications, approaches and therapies. A pain management doctor shall also use invasive procedures so that he can address the cause that is aggressing the pain and come up with personalized approaches to treat that. Pain management doctors that prescribe narcotics help the patients with severe pain get better.

Table of Contents

Types of Pain They Treat

A pain management doctor has to treat a wide array of pain types. Every pain has a different cause and thus requires different treatment procedure. What do pain management doctors do? These doctors understand your pain type and make a personalized treatment plan for you.

Acute Pain

This pain occurs due to a sudden injury or often surfaces up due to any underlying medical condition. It is curable with medication and physical therapy.

Chronic Pain

This type of pain is long lasting and its cause is not always known. In order to alleviate this pain, these doctors use personalized long-term approaches.

Neuropathic Pain

Any dysfunction of the nervous system leads to this type of pain. Treatment for this type of pain consists of medications for nerve pain, and specialized treatments such as nerve block.

Nociceptive Pain

The cause of nociceptive pain is tissue damage which is led by injuries or recovery from surgical procedures. The treatment for this pain includes anti-inflammatory medicines and physical therapy.

Functional Pain

Instead of any external injury to the body, this pain is caused by the body’s dysfunction to processing pain. An example of this type of pain is Fibromyalgia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and physical therapy are the useful procedures to treat this pain apart from medication.

types of treatment approaches

Types of Treatment Approaches

Pain management physician uses an array of approaches to address the intricate nature of pain. What is a pain management doctor? He is the one who uses medical management, behavioral therapy and physical therapy as the three notable pain treatment approaches. In some cases, doctors may use a combination of all three types. The right treatment approach is contingent upon the patient’s condition of pain.

Medical Management

This treatment method involves prescribing medications that alleviate the patient’s pain. To relieve the pain, the doctors may prescribe the medication based on the type of pain, which may include pain relievers, muscle relaxants, nerve blockers or antidepressants.

medical management
behavioral therapy

Behavioral Therapy

In this treatment, the doctor addresses the emotional and psychological factors related to the pain. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is primarily used to teach patients the coping strategies, lessen their stress, and enhance their emotional well-being. All this leads to managing the patient’s pain.

Physical Therapy

Doctors aim to improve strength, flexibility and movement through physical therapy. Pain management doctors prescribe it to help patients in managing chronic pain disorders that impair mobility of the patient. As an example, back pain treatment is possible through physical therapy.

physical therapy
what to expect from pain management doctors

What to Expect from Pain Management Doctors?

Are you wondering what happens at your first pain management appointment? You should expect a comprehensive assessment when you see a pain management specialist. He may run diagnostic tests or physical examinations along with asking about your pain symptoms and reviewing your medical history. He will suggest a course of treatment that is specifically intended to address your pain.

Pain management doctors place a high value on open communication and teamwork with their patients. They will discuss the treatment options with you, which may include physical therapy, medications and lifestyle modifications. To help you get better soon, your doctor will keep a close eye on your progress and modify the treatment plan as necessary.

how to prepare for a pain management appointment

How to Prepare for a Pain Management Appointment?

As a patient, you may have many decisions to make related to yourself as you are at the heart of the treatment. You should go to the doctor well-prepared with the information on how the pain is afflicting you and any medical records from the past. Remember that your doctor shall understand your pain in a better way if he is aware of your pain level and the triggers behind it.

Don’t forget to take a list detailing any over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as medications and supplements that have been prescribed to you. The more information you give, the more personalized and appropriate your treatment plan will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pain management doctors have a medical degree and have undergone specific pain management training. Many hold board certifications in physical medicine, anesthesiology, or other related disciplines. They are prepared to manage complicated pain issues.

Pain management doctors specialize in providing relief to patients with chronic or severe pain. Pain management doctors help patients who suffer from severe or chronic pain. They use a holistic approach to enhance function, reduce pain, and lessen reliance on painkillers, all of which contribute to a patient’s improved quality of life.

The most commonly used medications for pain management include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids for severe pain, muscle relaxants, and certain antidepressants. The choice of medication depends on the type of pain and the individual’s response to treatment.

Conclusion

Pain management doctors play an important role in treating the patients with short-term and long-term pain. Their specialized care reduces pain, improves the functionality and enhance your quality of living. These doctors use a range of medical, physical as well as psychological treatments to offer each patient personalized care. If you are looking for effective pain management solutions, consider reaching out to Pain Treatment MD for expert care and an individualized treatment plan designed to help you regain control over your life. Whether you are dealing with acute discomfort or chronic pain, doctors like Dr. Sameer Jain are here to provide you the essential treatments. To explore your options and find out more about the treatments available, visit Pain Treatment MD today!