Pain Management Doctor

Pain Management Doctor

A pain management doctor is a specialist who treats patients with chronic (long-lasting) discomfort. Trained to diagnose the exact source of your discomfort and collaborate with you on finding the most appropriate therapy based on their specialized training and current research, they provide invaluable services.

Your pain management plan may include medications, therapy and other options to help manage your discomfort. The type of pain you experience will influence how the plan functions; so be sure to communicate your goals and expectations with your provider.

Your initial visit with a pain management doctor will begin with an assessment of your medical history, symptoms and patterns of discomfort. They’ll also take note of any previous diagnostic studies (X-rays or MRIs), as well as performing a physical exam.

They may prescribe a range of medications to relieve your discomfort, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants and muscle relaxants. They may also suggest steroid injections for joint swelling or epidural injections to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

Your pain doctor may recommend complementary therapies such as massage, weight loss or acupuncture to meet your individual needs. They may even collaborate with a psychologist to develop an individualized behavioral approach to treating your discomfort.

After leaving a pain clinic, your doctor usually provides instruction on using a TENS machine – this delivers low electrical current that can help alleviate some of your discomfort. This simple yet effective treatment can be used at home as well, providing another effective option for managing pain.