A pain management dr can treat and manage acute and chronic pain. Their services can help improve your mobility and quality of life after an illness or injury. Here are some of the goals pain management doctors aim to achieve when treating patients:
Accurately Diagnosing Pain
A professional pain management dr will aim to accurately diagnose the nature and source of your pain during consultation. They do this by performing medical history assessments, physical exams, and imaging tests. Sharing information on your past medical conditions and treatments can help your doctor identify potential causes of pain. A physical examination can help them assess your mobility and identify areas where the pain is concentrated. Imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs can help them identify internal abnormalities responsible for your pain. An accurate diagnosis helps pain management specialists develop an effective treatment plan.
Creating a Personalized Treatment Plan
After diagnosing the cause of the pain, specialists can begin developing a treatment plan that targets the patient’s specific needs. Your doctor must consider factors like underlying conditions when developing your plan. If your pain results from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, your doctor can create a treatment plan that manages the conditions along with the pain. Pain management doctors also consider patients’ goals when creating treatment plans. Some patients may want to restore optimal joint function, and others may want to prioritize general pain reduction.
Improving Quality of Life
One of the main goals of pain management specialists is to improve their patient’s quality of life. For some patients, improved quality of life may mean regaining basic functionality after an illness or injury. This involves being able to perform everyday tasks like cooking, cleaning, and participating in physical activities. For other patients, improving their quality of life may mean understanding and adapting to life with chronic conditions. A pain management specialist aims to empower patients to take control of their lives despite their conditions. To achieve this, they may recommend medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Making Sure Patients Use Medications Appropriately
Pain-relieving medications are a key component in pain management treatments as they can reduce the production of prostaglandins. These chemicals can cause inflammation and pain in the body when produced in excess. The goal of a pain management specialist is to limit prostaglandins without causing an overdependence on medication. They may recommend alternative solutions like nerve stimulation treatments or surgery to achieve this. If you must use medications, your pain management specialist will likely monitor your prescriptions. This can help them make sure the medications are working as they should, minimize their side effects, and prevent misuse. Pain management specialists carefully monitor patients’ use of opioid prescriptions to avoid dependence or addiction.
Providing Long-Term Results
Pain specialists aim to help patients remain pain-free for as long as possible. They may recommend long-term solutions to achieve this. Pain management doctors may suggest treatments like peripheral nerve stimulation and radiofrequency ablation. These treatments can provide long-term pain relief by targeting the nerves responsible for the pain. Your specialist can also provide long-term pain relief by recommending lifestyle modifications that could lower your risk of illness or injury. They may recommend diet changes, exercise, reduced alcohol use, and stress management techniques.
Find a Reputable Pain Management Dr
The primary goal of a pain management dr is to reduce or eliminate your pain. This can help you regain mobility and return to your normal activities. Find a pain doctor who specializes in the type of pain you’re experiencing to improve your chances of successful treatment. Contact a reputable pain management dr today to learn more about how they manage and treat their patients’ pain.