How do Pain Management Clinics Work?

Everyone feels pain as accidents (small or big) are inevitable. Although it’s an unpleasant experience that everyone wishes to get through as soon as possible. However, pain is an unpleasant sensation that makes the healing journey a bit more unbearable. I know the feeling. I have been there too. And even chronic pain management doctors share the same thoughts. 

What about you? 

I am sure the experience of pain would be different, as more than 100 million Americans are finding themselves in a similar situation to manage pain. Or there might be a completely different set of words that you might be used to describe your pain. But, whatever it is, short or long term, the skills of handling pain management is the key for long-term relief. So, if you are also a part of a group of individuals who are facing the heat, a pain management clinic can help you manage your condition effectively. 

Want to know more about pain management clinics? So, here we go. 

What is a Pain Management Clinic?

Whenever anyone tries to look for “what is the best treatment for neck and shoulder pain?” or “what is the best treatment for lower back pain?” you might stumble on the phrase “pain clinic” or “pain management clinic.” So, they are the healthcare facilities that mostly focus on the diagnosis and management of chronic pain issues. 

You might find two types of clinics while looking for “pain management near me.” One that focuses on procedures to manage specific pain types such as neck or back pain. And the other one that uses an approach that takes into account the whole person, not the target location. So, if you don’t know who would be helping you with pain management, here are some of the professionals who are skilled in taking care of your painful symptoms. 

• Nurses and doctors
• Psychologists
• Physical therapists
• Occupational and vocational therapists
• Nutritionists and dietitians

And if you think they resort to only medications, you are highly mistaken. They also are efficient in managing your pain with physical, behavioral, and psychological therapies.  

Also, Read: Fascinating Facts About Pain You Are Not Familiar With

But wait, there’s more… 

Pain management therapy won’t only about getting you into treatment or prescribing your medications. Chronic pain management doctors will also teach you about lifestyle changes. They will offer you alternative pain management approaches such as acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, water therapy, massage, or meditation. 

Remember, whatever they recommend will depend on the severity and intensity of your symptoms. 

What Are The Goals of Pain Management?

Some types of pain are mild, while others are chronic such as headaches. A few more could be acute such as surgical pain. The field of pain management involves mostly all kinds of pain types. In short, you can expect the latest advancements in the field of pain management to help relieve your condition. Some chronic pain management doctors can provide medication or interventional pain management strategies such as nerve blockers, spinal cord stimulators while others might add in physical therapy and other alternative pain management therapies to relieve your pain. 

Why do I say this?

It’s to explain that the goal is to minimize pain rather than eliminating it since it is not possible to eradicate the pain triggers. So, pain management doctors mostly intend to lower down the level of pain while improving your function to improve the quality of life. Here is what happens when you meet chronic pain management doctors. 

• They evaluate your condition.
• Refer to some diagnostic tests, if necessary.
• Refer to a surgeon, if indicated through tests or evaluations.
• Recommend particular interventional treatment such as injections, or physical therapy, psychiatry (to deal with anxiety or depression related to pain), or some alternative treatments to boost the recovery process. 

However, if you look from a patient’s perspective, most of them rely on a range of pain medications (OTC or prescriptions). So, you must know what you are taking to avoid opioid addiction. So, let’s take a closer look at the type of pain killers available.

What Are The Pain Medications Available?

Whether you are dealing with arthritic pain, cancer pain, or an old injury, you will always find a pain medicine to take things under control. But what’s the best way to do that? The first step in pain management is to find the best chronic pain management doctors. They will help you find the right combination of painkillers to help you with pain relief. Doctors often stress approaching pain, both physically and emotionally. Also, remember, pain medications are helpful, but they are not the only available tool to help you with pain management. 

Here is what most of the doctors prescribe when offering pain relief treatment plans. 

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Antidepressants (To improve sleep issues associated with pain)
• Anti-seizure medications (For pain relief related to nerve damage or injury)
• Steroids (to relieve inflammation and pain; dexamethasone, prednisone)

Also, Read: Sleeping with Chronic Pain isn’t Easy. Here are the 5 Tips to Help You

Other than that, chronic pain management doctors might also recommend you for therapy to help heal your mind and body. For instance, physical therapy will help you to tailor the right exercise to reduce your pain and also to increase tolerance. In addition to that, the doctor might also recommend cognitive behavioral therapy to help you understand the root cause of your pain and how you can manage it effectively. You might also opt for TENS therapy, meditation strategies, relaxation techniques, biofeedback, heat and cold therapy, massage. Don’t forget the bottom line is to get pain relief, no matter what you choose. 

I am sure by now; you would have understood the importance of a pain management clinic. But, the critical part of effective pain relief measures starts with finding the best pain management clinic near you. Let’s move forward and look for the answers to find the one. 

How to Find The Best Pain Management Clinic?

The best option is to ask your primary healthcare provider or a specialist for a referral. You can also call a local hospital or medical center or get some references from a local pain support group. Or simply search “pain management near me.” Whatever you do, make sure to look for a specialist and see if the chronic pain management doctor is certified to do so. Comfort is also another factor that will determine who you land with. 

It does not end here.

Don’t forget to ask the clinic the type of therapies and treatments they offer. You can also look for a support group handled by that medical clinic. Avoid the ones that always offer narcotics to relieve pain since they can be highly addictive.

Final Thoughts 

The first step to effective pain management therapy is recognizing that chronic pain is a problem. Only after that, do you seek support from chronic pain management doctors. That’s how you can identify the source and come up with a suitable treatment plan quickly. Over-the-counter drugs might help, but they can never help you with long-term pain management. So, doctors will most likely combine your pain medications with: 

• Physical therapy
• Lifestyle modifications
• Relaxation techniques
• Psychological counseling

Get this: Consulting a doctor is a must. Only then you have a higher chance of success in relieving pain.