The typical pain clinic will treat patients with several different types of pain. Most doctors who specialize in the treatment of chronic pain have at least one other speciality, such as neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation or psychiatry.
The goal of a pain management clinic is to find the cause of your pain and then manage it. Doctors in a pain management clinic work together to get you better. You will see a primary care physician for routine checkups before you’re referred to the specialist for further testing if necessary.
Your doctor might also refer you to a physical therapist for exercises that strengthen your muscles and help prevent future injury from recurring. You might also see a massage therapist or acupuncturist for treatments that relieve tension and relax your body.
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain can be caused by trauma, such as a car accident, slipping on ice or falling from a ladder. It’s also possible for the pain to come from overuse of your shoulder muscles or rotator cuff tendons. The doctor will perform an exam and X-rays to determine if you have a fracture or other injury.
The doctor may also recommend an MRI or CT scan to further assess the situation and rule out any other problems. Other tests might include nerve conduction studies, electromyography and blood tests. If the source of your shoulder pain is determined to be something minor, such as a strained muscle, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and/or physical therapy for recovery.
Back pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people visit a pain clinic. If you have chronic back pain and your doctor suspects that it’s not just a result of aging, he or she may refer you to a pain management clinic.
Your pain management doctor will assess your back and make sure that it isn’t causing further damage by doing a physical exam. If the cause of your pain can be found with an evaluation, the team at your pain clinic will then develop a plan for managing it.
This may include medication, physical therapy, massage therapy, acupuncture or even surgery. If the root cause of your back pain cannot be found with an evaluation, your pain doctor might try another type of treatment first before going to surgery.
Leg pain
If you have leg pain, your doctor might recommend splinting the foot to help with motion and prevent further injury. Severe ankle, knee and hip injuries can also be treated at a pain management clinic. The pain clinic will usually treat other types of pain, such as headaches and abdominal pains that are not related to an underlying medical issue. In addition, they can often provide non-pain therapy for people who suffer from anxiety or depression in addition to their chronic pain condition.
Neck and upper back pain
Neck pain, whether it’s from whiplash or other causes, can be debilitating. For example, when you are diagnosed with whiplash, your doctor will recommend physical therapy and may also prescribe pain management medications like ibuprofen or narcotics.
Pain management clinics are an excellent option for chronic neck or upper back pain. If you have vertigo caused by a head injury that has not healed properly from concussion, the doctor might recommend physical therapy and medications to treat your symptoms.
Pain after an injury
Doctors who specialize in pain management are well-informed about the different types of pain. They will know how to use the proper techniques and treatments for your specific type of pain, as well as how long it would take for your pain to get better.
This can help you avoid unnecessary suffering and help you return to a normal life more quickly. If you have an injury that causes chronic pain, a specialist in pain management can provide relief from your symptoms. It’s best if the doctor is someone who has experience with treating this type of pain, so they can recommend treatment options that will work best for you.
Pain from arthritis or bursitis
Pain from arthritis or bursitis is typically treated by a primary care physician. A pain management clinic can support you through the process of managing your symptoms and long-term treatment plans.
The goal of treating this type of pain is to reduce inflammation and relieve pain at the source so that you can continue activities that are important to you, such as working or exercising. If the pain gets worse, your doctor might prescribe medications like ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other gastrointestinal dysfunctions
A pain management clinic can provide relief for those with IBS. In the US, more than 50 million adults suffer from IBS, and it is the most common cause of chronic gastrointestinal disorders. They typically have recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort in addition to other symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea and/or constipation.
The main goal of a pain management clinic is to treat your pain and make you feel better to improve your quality of life. If you believe that you may have an underlying condition like IBS, a specialist will take a detailed history from you and perform tests that might uncover a physical cause for your symptoms.
Depression and Anxiety in chronic pain patients
Doctors in a pain management clinic will work with you to help manage your depression and anxiety, too. You might need to work with a psychologist or psychiatrist for long-term treatment of mental health conditions if they are causing your pain.
Depression is one such condition that may be affecting your chronic pain. It’s important to remember that pain clinics are not just for physical conditions, but also for mental conditions like depression and anxiety as well.
FAQs
What is the goal of a pain management clinic?
The goal of a pain management clinic is to provide comprehensive care for patients suffering from chronic pain. Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. It can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, including arthritis, back problems, cancer, and nerve damage. The goal of a pain management clinic is to help patients find ways to cope with their chronic pain and improve their quality of life. This may involve a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. The goal is to reduce the amount of pain the patient experiences and help them regain as much function as possible.
What is the role of a primary care physician in a pain management clinic?
Primary care physicians (PCPs) play an important role in pain management. They work with pain specialists to ensure that all aspects of your care are coordinated to ensure the best outcomes. PCPs will assess your pain, take a medical history, access medical records, and offer treatment options. The PCPs in a pain management clinic can also help coordinate treatment with other health care providers, such as surgeons, anesthesiologists, general surgeons and orthopedic surgeons. PCPs will also work with you and your family on safe and effective pain management techniques. They can teach you how to use prescription and non-prescription pain medications safely and effectively. They can also help you develop a plan for self-care when you’re not with the doctor. A PCP plays an important role in helping their patients manage their pain so that they can live their lives to the fullest.
How is a patient’s pain assessed in a pain management clinic?
Pain is assessed in a pain management clinic by taking a patient’s history and performing a physical examination. Your doctor may also order laboratory or imaging tests to help narrow down the possible causes of your pain. Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor may prescribe medications that can help with pain relief or treatment. In addition to medications, the treatment plan may include exercises, physical therapy and massage therapy. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another type of pain treatment that is becoming more popular in pain clinics. Pain management clinics provide a compassionate environment where patients can receive the best care possible while receiving treatment for their pain.
