Most Common Questions Asked About Pain Management

Contrary to popular belief, pain is not merely a symptom but also a chronic condition that you sometimes have to live with. In some cases, there is an underlying condition that causes the pain such as fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, etc. but in other cases, it is idiopathic i-e its origin is unknown.

The goal of pain management is to minimize the pain and restore the normal function of the body to the greatest extent possible. For anyone suffering from chronic pain, it is normal to have many questions about it as well as its management. Here are some of the most common questions asked about pain management.

What exactly is pain management?

It involves the treatment of patients with severe chronic or acute pain. A number of different interventions can be used ranging from pain medications to physical therapy. Other medications for nerve blockage that subsequently block the sensation of pain are also used.

Pain management specialists are the ones who primarily deal with pain management, they are usually anaesthesiologists or physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists, though many physicians also practice pain management.

When do you need a pain management specialist?

If your pain significantly hampers with your daily life and does not respond to conventional treatment, it is time to see a specialist. Your family physician can help you determine this.

What to expect when you see a pain management specialist?

Following the introduction, the pain management specialist will thoroughly discuss your pain problem with you. Your history will be taken and you will also be questioned about how your pain affects your daily life. A physical examination is carried out as well as other diagnostic procedures such as an MRI, X-ray, etc. at the same visit. The reports can help with the diagnosis which is followed by a treatment plan.

What Happens next?

Once the diagnosis is established, the treatment starts. The intervention used for a certain patient depends upon the specific problem experienced by them and hence may vary from person to person. Pain medications can be prescribed including narcotic analgesics depending upon the level of your pain. Medications to improve sleep may also be prescribed as resting well can help decrease the pain.

What are nerve blocking agents?

These are medications that act as a local anesthetic resulting in a relief from the sensation of pain. These may be injected into different areas of the body depending upon the requirement of the patient. For examples, the epidural is a type of anesthetic used to relieve pain associated with disc problems throughout the spinal cord.

What is the ultimate goal of pain management?

The ultimate goal of pain management therapy is to reduce pain to the maximum limit and restore mobility and functionality. Although it may sound easy, it is, in fact, a very complex task involving the use of a number of techniques and making lifestyle changes to overcome the pain.

Once the issue is resolved, it is important to take precautionary measures to prevent chronic pain problem in the future. Your pain management specialist helps you with this as well.

Visit us now for consultation: My Pain Clinic

Source: https://mypainclinic.com/my-education/most-common-questions-asked-about-pain-management/