It’s National Women’s Health Week (May 14-20), which is the perfect time to talk about an often-overlooked aspect of any female’s well-being: pain management.
Women experience pain differently than men, which studies suggest is due to several factors:
Biology
Women tend to have a lower pain threshold, meaning they might feel pain sooner and more intensely. This could be due to hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle or higher nerve density in certain areas.
Pain Processing
There may be differences in how the central nervous system processes pain signals in men and women.
Psychological Factors
Social and cultural factors can influence pain perception. Women might be more likely to express pain verbally, while men might be conditioned to downplay it.
Thankfully, women don’t need to suffer alone. Seeking help from a specialist in pain care can significantly improve your quality of life.
Why See a Specialist in Pain Care?
Many people initially manage pain with over-the-counter medications or by ignoring it altogether and hoping it goes away sooner rather than later. However, when it comes to chronic pain, this approach doesn’t often work and even causes more problems in the long run. A specialist in pain care, also known as a pain management specialist, has the expertise to diagnose the underlying cause of a patient’s pain and develop a personalized treatment plan for them.
Visiting a specialist in pain care is worthwhile for several reasons:
Accurate Diagnosis
Pain can be a symptom of many different conditions and can be difficult for the average physician to pinpoint. A pain management specialist can perform a thorough examination, order tests, and diagnose the root cause of your pain.
Treatment Options
Specialists have a wide range of therapy options in their pain treatment toolbox, including medication management, physical therapy, injections, and interventional procedures. They will customize a specific plan for your unique needs, condition, and pain level.
Improved Quality of Life
By managing your pain properly, you can regain your ability to participate in activities you enjoy, improve your overall well-being, and reduce your stress and anxiety.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your first appointment with a pain management specialist will likely involve a conversation about your “pain story,” including details about your pain such as its type, location, intensity, and duration. You’ll need to answer questions about your lifestyle habits, other treatments you may have tried, and any medications you’re currently taking.
The practitioner — who may be a physician, physician assistant, registered nurse, or other specially trained medical professional — will perform a physical exam to assess your range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength. Depending on your specific case, they may also order diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or blood tests.
Pain Management Treatment Options
Specialists in pain care typically use a multidisciplinary or holistic (whole body) approach to manage chronic pain. The most common treatments include:
Medication
Prescription pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or over-the-counter medications tackle specific pain types like nerve pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists develop exercise and stretching routines to improve the patient’s strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablations provide targeted pain relief in specific areas.
Find Real Hope Through Professional Pain Management
At HPM, we understand the impact of chronic pain on each person’s life, and we’re here to provide the most effective treatments possible to get you back on your feet. Our team of certified pain specialists can help you find the root cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you get fast, long-term relief.
HPM operates pain management clinics in more than a dozen states across the country. Visit our website to find a location near you and take your first step towards a pain-free future.
For this year’s National Women’s Health Week, we encourage you to make your well-being a priority. Don’t let chronic pain control your life. Reach out to HPM today to make an appointment.
