Pain is one of the most common health problems. When left untreated, it can severely affect an individual’s quality of life. Pain management professionals use various techniques to help reduce or eliminate pain. They also teach individuals new coping skills. A physical examination and a discussion of your medical history come first on a visit to a pain management professional.
Medications
Pain is the most common symptom of many injuries, diseases, disorders and conditions. It can last a short time and go away when the wound heals (acute pain), or it can continue for months or years and cause significant disability (chronic pain). A pain management Jacksonville FL specialists regulate chronic pain symptoms through medications, procedures and hands-on treatments. They may prescribe analgesics to reduce pain, including specialist medicines for nerve pain (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants). They may also perform injections into muscles, joints and the spine to relieve pain. They can also recommend hands-on treatments such as massage, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulative medicine and chiropractic manipulation to reduce pain and improve posture and help the body work better. They can also recommend counseling and therapy to change how you deal with depression, anxiety or anger related to your pain. Keeping a pain diary can also help you monitor your pain and find patterns that may suggest underlying causes.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapy program can help patients get back to their regular activities. A trained therapist will work with the patient to design an individualized treatment plan. The therapist may use targeted exercises, traction, heat or cold packs and massage therapy to relieve pain in the injured area. A pain management doctor specializes in treating chronic and acute pain. They can be a physiatrist or any other physician who has completed a fellowship in pain management (additional training after medical school). The first visit with a pain management specialist typically involves a detailed medical history and a thorough physical exam. It’s important to bring any prior diagnostic tests or MRIs, so the doctor can review them before deciding on a course of action. In addition to medications, the doctor may recommend hands-on treatments like acupuncture and osteopathic manipulative therapy. They may also prescribe nerve blocks or spinal injections. Sometimes, a pain management doctor will refer a patient to a surgeon for more invasive treatments.
Counseling
A quality pain management specialist can teach you to manage the emotional impact of your discomfort. They can also offer psychological treatments to improve mood and self-esteem. These can be a great supplement to your physical therapy. The brain’s pain pathways are incredibly complex, and one break at any point can cause the body to misinterpret normal sensations as pain. This is called central sensitization, one of the biggest reasons people with chronic pain struggle to sleep at night and concentrate during the day. Find a pain clinic with a high success rate. Look for interdisciplinary clinics that employ many healthcare professionals to work together, as they are more likely to have the experience and expertise necessary to provide effective treatments. It’s also important to find a clinic in a location that’s easily accessible for you. This will reduce the travel time you must invest in your treatment.
Education
Pain is more complex than most people realize. A medical professional with advanced training in assessing, diagnosing and treating pain is your best option for finding relief. Medical management may include prescription medications that address the underlying cause of your pain. Remedies can range from antidepressants to opioids. Typically, a doctor will only prescribe these powerful drugs when necessary and provide instructions on proper use. This helps to avoid dependency, addiction and misuse. Physical therapy can also help with pain management. This includes techniques like spinal injections, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and dorsal column stimulation. In addition, a physical therapist can teach you proper exercise and stretching techniques to reduce your pain. Combined with medication, these treatments can improve your quality of life and give you more independence. This allows you to enjoy more time with your family and friends. It can even help you avoid surgery. This is a great option for people with chronic conditions who need long-term pain management.
