Chronic pain turns life into an uphill battle. It’s a physical, mental, and emotional struggle that can derail your daily routine and prevent you from doing the things you enjoy most.
When you or a loved one suffers from chronic pain, it’s important to find the right medical help as soon as possible. If you’re looking for a pain doctor near you, you need to know what to look for in a qualified pain management specialist. Below, we’ll outline the steps you need to take to connect with someone who can help you find relief.
What Is the Impact of Chronic Pain?
The medical field defines pain as chronic when it lasts longer than three months, even if the injury or illness that caused it has healed. Chronic pain can be experienced in just about any part of the body and is commonly caused by injuries, arthritis, cancer or other diseases, nerve damage, and other conditions. Some chronic pain is considered “psychogenic,” meaning it doesn’t appear to be due to any past disease or injury or any visible sign of damage.
The impact of chronic pain on daily life can take its toll quite quickly. It can affect your ability to function and carry out necessary everyday tasks, whether it’s for work, everyday household tasks, or activities you enjoy like gardening or playing with your grandkids. Left untreated, chronic pain can lead to frustration, exhaustion, and depression.
One important thing to note about chronic pain is that every patient is unique and may respond to treatments differently. There is no “cure-all” treatment for pain, which is why it’s vital to seek the care of a chronic pain doctor near you.
What Do Chronic Pain Doctors Do?
Chronic pain doctors — more commonly referred to as pain management specialists — are trained to diagnose and manage chronic pain. They can be a physician, nurse practitioner, or other medically trained practitioner who focuses on identifying the true source of a patient’s pain so they can develop a personalized treatment plan to alleviate the pain as much as possible.
They take advantage of a variety of therapies such as physical therapy, interventional procedures, alternative treatments, psychological counseling, and, in severe cases, surgery.
You can expect a pain management specialist to work closely with you and your primary physician to evaluate your unique needs and create an individualized treatment approach. They also often work in conjunction with other specialists like chiropractors, psychologists, or physical therapists who provide a specific type of treatment.
What Should You Expect During Your First Visit?
Your first appointment with a pain management specialist typically involves a comprehensive evaluation. Be prepared to discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and any treatments or medications you’ve tried in the past. The practitioner should ask you questions about the nature of your pain, such as its intensity, duration, what triggers it, and what alleviates it (if anything).
Remember, managing chronic pain is a collaboration between you and your care provider. They depend on your input and active participation so they can devise the right treatment plan for you.
What Kind of Treatments Do They Use?
Pain management specialists take advantage of a variety of treatments depending on the patient and their needs. The most common types of therapies they may use include:
- Medication (either over-the-counter or prescription)
- Behavioral health counseling
- Alternative therapies such as hot needling, yoga, or meditation
- Physical therapy
- Minimally invasive procedures (nerve blocks, corticosteroid injections, or radiofrequency ablations)
- Surgery (in severe cases)
HPM Provides Chronic Pain Relief Near You
For chronic pain sufferers who live in rural areas, finding professional help can be challenging. But there’s hope! HPM’s chain of pain management clinics can be found in small towns throughout the U.S., bringing specialized healthcare to remote communities.
Our medical specialists are highly trained in identifying the actual source of your pain and treating it with the latest medical advancements. We’re committed to providing personalized care for your unique pain management needs.
Visit HPM’s website today to find a pain management clinic near you and take the first step towards reclaiming your life from chronic pain.
