If you are experiencing pain due to illness or injury, pain management doctors - physicians with advanced training in evaluating, diagnosing, and treating pain - are your best source of treatment.These physicians gain board certification in a specialty after completing a general residency and a one-year fellowship in pain management.
Many pain management physicians, however, devote their time and expertise to treating patients with chronic pain.Often, it is difficult to diagnose the needs of these patients, and multiple therapies may be necessary to treat them.
Physicians who specialize in pain management typically treat patients suffering from lower back pain, knee pain, headaches, hip pain, and neck pain. Their treatment ranges from arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, to sciatica and more.
What Are The Types Of Pain?
Various types of pain can be caused by diseases or accidents. After treatment, some pains may persist or return. A patient may experience pain as a result of a treatment (for example, after surgery). A wide range of evidence-based treatment options are available under dr ali pain management doctor. In some cases, the cause of pain is unknown.Among the types of pain are:
Acute
Injuries often result in this type of pain, which is sharp in nature. Injuries or diseases causing acute pain are treated by providers to alleviate the pain. Various types of injuries may cause pain of this nature, including bone fractures, muscle spasms, burns, or other accidents. In some cases, such as shingles or appendicitis, acute pain is experienced.
Chronic
According to providers, chronic pain refers to pain that lasts longer than six months. Untreated injuries or diseases may result in this type of pain. In addition, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and neuropathy may contribute to this condition. A chronic pain condition that affects the lower back is also known as low back pain.
Nociceptive
Nerve cell endings (nociceptors) send pain signals to your brain when you hurt. Nociceptive pain happens when you break a bone, bump your head or pull a muscle. The pain can be sudden and short-lived or long-lasting. It can affect your internal organs (visceral pain) or your musculoskeletal system (somatic pain).
Neuropathic
Nervous system problems may cause neuropathic pain (nerve pain). As a result of the accidental firing of pain signals by nerves, even in the absence of any damage, this condition develops. Infection with HIV, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis (MS) are commonly responsible for this type of pain.
Types of Pain Management Doctors
Many years ago, anesthesiologists were responsible for all aspects of pain management, including prescription pain management and painful procedures. Understanding the differences between anesthesia and pain management is important when selecting a provider.
The field of anesthesiology has historically been dominant in the management of pain. As anesthesiologists are familiar with medication, especially local anesthetics and nerve blocks (epidurals), this trend began many years ago.Interventional pain management doctors and medical pain management doctors are the two types of pain management doctors.
What Is The Pain Assessment Process?
Identifying the cause of pain is the first step. Describe how and where you feel pain and if it improves (or gets worse) with certain activities. If it spreads to other parts of your body, tell your provider.
It is also important to provide a description of how the pain feels. There may be a question that asks you to rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10. The characteristics of pain depend on the cause, location, and severity of the ailment:
- Itchy, dull or nagging.
- An electric shock-like sensation.
- A pounding or throbbing sensation.
How to Choose a Pain Specialist
You can ask your doctor what type of specialist you need and he or she may refer you to one. When choosing a provider, you should consider their general approach to pain management as well as their approach to treating you specifically.Choose a physician who:
- Has the training and experience to treat your particular pain. The majority of physicians have completed a fellowship in pain medicine, which is additional training beyond a physician's regular medical training.
- An individual who is "board-certified" has passed extensive tests in fields such as anesthesiology, neurology, physical medicine, and rehabilitation
- Good at listening
- Looks trustworthy
- Among the medical community, he enjoys an excellent reputation
- Provides you with the opportunity to ask questions
- Allows for disagreements
What Is The Best Time To See My Healthcare Provider About My Pain?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, please consult your healthcare provider:
- A patient's pain does not improve, worsens, or returns following treatment.
- You may feel anxious or depressed.
- Pain is preventing you from sleeping.
- Pain and discomfort prevent you from participating in your usual activities.
