Medical Pain Management

What is Medical Pain Management?

Medical Pain Management is a specialized subset of medicine devoted to helping people who suffer from chronic pain. Living with pain is a common problem worldwide and far too often the conditions that cause chronic pain are misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or not properly treated. Often there is no single solution to chronic pain, and the best approach for addressing it is an integrated model that uses a combination of methods such as lifestyle changes, medication, and physical therapy. Chronic Pain Management often requires a team approach with collaboration across a variety of medical disciplines.

How do you prepare for Medical Pain Management?

Prior to beginning treatment with a pain specialist, you should compile your medical history in as much detail as possible, covering your pain symptoms and previous treatments, as well as any medications you are taking or allergies you may have. It’s important to be ready to discuss these things with your doctor in order to get the most accurate possible diagnosis and find the best path forward. Keeping a pain journal prior to your appointment may also be helpful in nailing down your physical symptoms and finding potential solutions.

Why is Medical Pain Management performed?

Chronic pain is a common experience for millions of people in the United States. Physical pain can contribute to depression, loss of sleep, inability to perform basic daily tasks, and a myriad of other issues. Over-reliance on opioid-based painkillers frequently contributes to addiction and falls well short of addressing the needs of people with chronic pain. An interdisciplinary approach to pain management has been shown to help many decrease their pain levels and have better physical function and a higher quality of life.

What can you expect during Medical Pain Management?

When you first begin seeing a pain management physician, they will ask you for details on your pain symptoms, such as location, intensity, when you’ve noticed them, and any other relevant information. The two of you will review your medical history together, going over any injuries, operations, or medications in your past. A physical exam and any other necessary diagnostic procedures, such as x-rays, will be performed. Together, you and your doctor will begin outlining a pain treatment plan. You may be referred to other practitioners with different specialties related to pain treatment.

What is the followup and recovery like for Medical Pain Management?

Pain management is typically an ongoing process, and you will usually have regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your progress and make necessary tweaks or adjustments to your treatment regimen. Depending on the methods being used, you may visit practitioners with specialties ranging from pain medication to acupuncture.

What are the potential risks for Medical Pain Management?

There are few real risks of beginning to see a pain management specialist. It is possible that some of the methods attempted may not be effective in treatment or have their own negative side effects, but even if you are unable to specifically identify and rectify the cause of your chronic pain you will hopefully gain a better understanding of the issue and develop some strategies to help you deal with it.