Chronic Pain? It Might Be Time To See A Pain Management Specialist

There is a lot of uncertainty about when is the right time to see a pain management specialist, or if there’s any need to see one at all. More often than not, many choose to treat pain using over-the-counter medications, at-home remedies, or self-directed workout regimens. However, pain is typically considered chronic if it lasts for more than three months. This includes pain that involves the spine or joints, cancer pain, nerve pain, unusual pain of the limbs, prolonged abdominal or pelvic pain, or pain after surgery.

Pain management can offer treatments and solutions that other specialties can not. Finding the root cause of pain is a pain management doctor’s primary goal. They’re able to recognize a variety of pain conditions and treat them effectively.

Pain specialists can treat all types of pain—whether the pain is from an acute pain associated with the spine or a chronic condition. Pain specialists treat chronic joint pain, cancer pains, or arthritis pain. They will also often work alongside other doctors, such as your primary care physician, to create a multidisciplinary treatment plan that is specific to you.

Treatment plans may include:

• Medications.
• Physical therapy.
• Injection procedures using steroids or nerve blocks.
• Implementation of advanced devices that send signals to interfere with pain transmission. 
• Ongoing monitoring and follow up.

With all this knowledge about pain management doctors, when is the right time to see one? Listed are a few signs to watch out for that can help you determine when it might be time to schedule an appointment:

Difficulty performing daily tasks

While it’s not uncommon for an injury or pain to flare up and cause struggles in performing daily tasks, it should be noted if they’re lasting for an extended period of time.

Radiating pain

Once the pain you’re experiencing begins to radiate throughout a limb or part of your body, it can be a sign to see a pain management specialist. In addition to the radiating pain feeling, look out for numbness, tingling, and other similar sensations.

Difficulty sleeping

If your pain is keeping you up through the night, it’s definitely time to see a pain management doctor. Your body needs that time to rest, and if pain is getting in the way, it will begin to affect even more aspects of your health. 

Over-the-counter medication isn’t working

While pain relievers are okay in small quantities, they won’t solve the cause of your pain and therefore you’re only delaying your recovery process. Additionally, even over the counter medications can cause serious health conditions if taken for prolonged periods without the direction of a physician.

Persisting pain with a specific motion

Whether it’s bending over or walking up the stairs, pain management doctors will perform a full-body examination in order to pinpoint the root of your pain. From there, they’ll be able to utilize pain management techniques to provide relief.

 

When beginning pain treatment, it is important to note that everything is a process. Discovering what combinations of medicines and complementary treatments work for you could take some time. Here at The Spring + Heights Hospital, our pain management doctors always strive to ensure that all our patients find pain relief and are provided the best care, no matter the conditions.

Pain Management Doctors:

Spring Hospital - Dr. Jessen Mukalel, MD

Heights Hospital - Dr. Stefan Gilthorpe, MD