Pain management doctors are trained to evaluate, diagnose, and treat chronic pain. They often use a variety of treatments to help patients find relief from their pain, including medications, physical therapy, and counseling (psychotherapy). Direct tissue injury, nerve injury, or a mix of both are the three primary forms of pain that pain management experts address.
Diagnosis
A pain management doctor specializes in treating sudden and chronic pain, such as headaches and back pain. They evaluate your symptoms and prescribe a combination of medication-based treatments and procedures that stop the pain at its source. Your pain management physician will get a thorough medical history and inquire about your current drug regimen at your initial visit. It is essential because it will help them understand your pain condition and its effect on your life.
Additionally, your doctor could be interested in learning what causes your pain and what changes it during the day. It’s also helpful to have a pain journal, which records your pain and its intensity.
In addition to communicating with patients, a good pain doctor Jacksonville FL must be able to make accurate diagnoses using a variety of diagnostic tests. They should have extensive medical experience, compassion, and the ability to treat difficult pain conditions effectively.
Treatments
Doctors specializing in pain management can offer a range of treatments, including prescription drugs, physical therapy, and complementary therapies. They also conduct specialized testing to diagnose complex pain conditions. A skilled pain doctor will offer a sympathetic ear to your worries and tailor your course of therapy. They may perform a neurological exam and order laboratory tests or imaging studies to find the cause of your pain. First-line treatment involves medication and injections that numb pain (nerve blocks or spinal injections). Second-line treatments include procedures that stop the nerve from sending signals to your brain, such as radiofrequency ablation or viscosupplementation.
In addition to these treatments, pain management doctors often recommend other non-narcotic options, such as behavioral therapy, exercise, and acupuncture. They also work with patients on dietary changes and lifestyle choices to help them manage their pain.
Monitoring
The pain management doctor evaluates the symptoms and causes of a patient’s pain, establishing a proper diagnosis and developing treatment plans. He may prescribe medications to reduce pain, including opioids. A pain management doctor should also recommend alternative treatments such as physical therapy or psychological support. The doctor should have extensive medical experience, compassion, and a reputation for appropriately prescribing pain medication. To help patients manage their chronic pain, pain management doctors use technology solutions like remote patient monitoring (RPM). These technologies allow healthcare providers to connect with patients over the Internet to review patient symptoms and medication in real time. Telehealth pain management programs can include virtual visits, symptom surveys, medication reminders, and condition-specific education. These programs can improve patient engagement, build habits around medication adherence, and increase patient satisfaction.
Counseling
Pain can occur suddenly and go away quickly (acute pain), or it can last months or years and make it hard to sleep at night or focus during the day (chronic pain). A good pain management doctor listens with a compassionate ear and customizes a plan for you. Counseling can help you overcome stress, anxiety, depression, and other daily issues. To assist clients in defining objectives, regulating emotions, building coping mechanisms, and enhancing communication, counselors work with them. When looking for a pain management doctor, seek one with special training who is board certified in this specialty. It’s also essential to find a clinic that offers a variety of treatments and therapies. To track the location of the pain, its intensity over time, and what makes it better or worse, your doctor may instruct you to keep a pain diary or journal. It can help you learn patterns of the pain you experience to gain better control over it and improve your daily living.
