When to See a Pain Management Specialist
Living with chronic pain can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. In some cases, it is a significant annoyance, while in others, it may be utterly debilitating to the point where you have difficulty carrying out everyday tasks. Sometimes, pain can be managed with over-the-counter medication. But other cases may require more specialized care. That’s where a pain management doctor comes in.
But how do you know if you need to see a pain doctor? There are some telltale signs to look out for that indicate it may be time to talk to a specialist. Persistent discomfort, limited mobility, and lack of relief from home remedies can all point to a more troublesome source of your pain.
When to see a pain management specialist
Handling pain can be complex. For one thing, it is a subjective experience, and everyone’s pain threshold is different. Additionally, some pain is only temporary, like the ache after a stubbed toe or the soreness of a pulled muscle. This is known as acute pain and will generally go away on its own with time and home care.
Pain that lasts for three months or more becomes chronic pain. Unlike acute pain, which generally has a pretty straightforward cause and recovery process, chronic pain is more complicated. It is usually caused by an illness or underlying medical condition that likely requires evaluation and treatment by a medical professional. When pain has persisted for at least three months, or if you are experiencing pain that is severe enough to limit your daily activities, you may want to see a pain management specialist.
Here is a quick helpful hint – check with your insurance first. Some insurance plans require a referral from your primary care provider before you can see a specialist. Just to be safe, double check whether you’ll need a referral before scheduling an appointment at a pain clinic.
Signs you need to see a pain management specialist
Though most pain is minor and won’t last long, there are certain cases that definitely justify a trip to your local pain management specialist. Knowing the signs to look out for can help ensure you address your condition before it causes potentially serious consequences.
Decreased quality of life
Pretty much all pain is unpleasant, but when it lasts for more than three months, it can start to seriously impact quality of life. Chronic pain can wreak all kinds of havoc on your body, with more severe cases making even simple tasks nearly impossible. It can have consequences beyond physical pain as well. If left untreated, chronic pain can lead to depression, anxiety, and other significant mental health issues.
Pain management specialists are the ultimate authority when it comes to dealing with chronic pain. Seeking their help is the perfect first step on the path to pain relief and a happier, more fulfilling life.
Limited mobility
The ability to move around and perform basic activities is one of the foundations of a fulfilling life. If you begin to experience pain severe enough to limit that mobility, it might be time to see a pain management specialist. They can prescribe a care plan designed to relieve pain and improve mobility so you can live your best life.
Dependence on pain medication
In some cases, pain medications have a place in the treatment process. If responsibly managed, they can actually be quite effective at providing relief. But, they also come with a long list of risks and potentially dangerous side effects, so relying on them as the only means of managing pain is usually not the best approach.
If you find yourself in a situation where medications are the only solution to your pain, you should visit with a pain management specialist. They will know all about other, drug-free treatment options to help manage your pain.
Failed previous treatments
There are actually a lot of different ways to go about managing pain. Your primary care physician may prescribe some meds to help you find relief. A chiropractor or physical therapist might be able to provide sufficient results. Maybe you’ve even tried surgery with an orthopedist or spine specialist. These are all solid options that may very well do the trick.
But all too often, patients try some or all of these treatments and remain in pain. If you have tried other treatments without getting the relief you need, a pain management specialist can help. A significant part of what they do is find ways to relieve pain when others have been unable to.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms or situations, reach out to a pain management specialist. These experts spend their entire careers studying and finding solutions for chronic pain. They also have access to innovative treatments that most other healthcare providers do not. Their knowledge and extensive toolkit of treatment options make them an invaluable partner on your journey to pain relief.
