Pain should never be ignored as it could be the indication of something serious underlying the problem. Pain that happens suddenly, usually within a few days or weeks, is called acute pain. Pain that lasts between 6 and 12 weeks is called subacute pain. Almost 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, which makes it hard to sleep and concentrate during the day, and it also messes up your energy level and overall enjoyment.
It can lead to depression and anxiety if you have frequent pain. Doctors work with patients to help get rid of pain that’s been going on longer than 12 weeks. It is very essential to visit a doctor in case of having any type of pain either acute or chronic and mostly for that type of pain which persists for a longer period.
What Pain Doctors do?
Pain doctors propose pain management strategies to improve patients’ quality of life. These strategies include complementary treatments, pain medications and physical therapies. Pain doctors have expertise to cope up with advanced skills and treatment strategies for controlling pain that cannot be eliminated easily.
A pain doctor or pain specialist is a doctor of osteopathy specialized in pain medicine. They are able to understand pain physiology and conduct specialized tests to identify complex conditions. Thes highly trained doctors provide coordinated treatment plans to treat pain.
The main focus of pain doctors is to eliminate, decrease or manage pain. For this purpose, pain management specialists work on overall health of the patients. They also collaborate with other healthcare experts including following
- Psychologists
- Nurses
- Psychiatrists
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Internists
- Oncologists
- Surgical specialists
- Physiatrists
This team of professionals work with pain doctors where necessary. They provide best outcomes of treatment by improving patients’ functioning and overall health.
What Type Of Pain Is Treated By Pain Doctors?
Besides a painful sensation, pain is also perceived as a defensive response of the nervous system. Our body has several pain receptors whose number varies according to the location. Just like skin has more pain receptors as compared to the gut. That is why pain sensations related to skin are perceived more quickly as compared to gut disorders. The pain may be sharp or dull. Sometimes pain can be a result of any visible source including sudden touch to a hot pot, any surgical procedure or ankle injuries leading to musculoskeletal pain.
However, there are also some unseen incidents leading to painful experiences. They include neuropathic pain like diabetic peripheral neuropathy, singles neuropathy, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Pain may also be severe and chronic in complications like spinal stenosis,arthritis, herniated discs or degenerative discs.Either acute or chronic, pain specialists cut the pain and train you providing skills to manage the pain on your own.
How Pain Doctors Work
The certified pain physicians in Dallas provide comprehensive pain management plans after diagnosis that will work to manage your pain symptoms.
Diagnosis
The pain doctors at pain medicine clinic may ask you to undergo following physical examination
- Neurological exam
- Positron Emission tomography
- X-rays
- CT-scans
- Electrodiagnostic tools involving electromyography and nerve conduction studies
Most of them recommend pain medicines including following
- Opioid Medicines-oxycodone, codeine,morphine
- Paracetamol-short pain reliever
- Local anesthetics-creams, drops and injections
- Aspirin-mild to moderate pain reliever
- Antidepressants
However, which medicine to select depends upon the location, severity and other medical conditions. Pain doctor near me also educates the patients about the chances to observe the side effects of these medications. These side effects may be indigestion,dizziness,constipation, and raised blood pressure.
There are also some pain management approaches that do not involve medicines. They are massages, cognitive behavior therapies, acupuncture and heat or cold techniques.
Moreover, the severe complicated conditions may require invasive or surgical procedures to get rid of pain. The pain doctors show compassion in this situation and customize the individualized treatment plans.
When Should I Go To Pain Doctors
It is not possible to keep on managing the pain at home, especially in chronic pain conditions. If the pain is showing the following symptoms, it is an indication to plan a pain doctor visit as soon as possible.
- Depressive episodes start due to pain
- Pain is prolonged for 2-3 weeks
- No previous treatment plans are working
However, it is always recommended to avoid those pain doctors near me or pain clinics that recommend opioids on the first visit rather, facilitate you in selecting the right choice of treatment. Opioids are very potent and have severe withdrawal symptoms that may cause more damage as compared to the benefits.
Summary
A pain management doctor can help. “Degree of pain” is often called the “fifth vital sign.” That’s because it can be a clinical barometer for how your body is doing.
In addition to managing what medications a person takes, a pain management doctor near me helps manage their pain. When it comes to managing pain, there are a lot of options. Medications, medical treatment, physical therapy, alternative therapies, and behavioral therapy can all help. If you manage your pain well, you might get some relief. But it is always advisable to consult a doctor incase of facing any type of pain either chronic or acute.
