Learn About Pain Management Specialists: How They Treat and When to see one?

What is a Pain Management Doctor?

A pain management doctor is a healthcare professional who is trained and experienced in managing various types of pains. Pain management doctors can help patients understand the pain they are experiencing and treat that pain with various medications and treatments that can help the patient live a better life. Pain management doctors work closely with other healthcare professionals to treat their patients.

How does a doctor become a Pain Management Specialist?

To become a pain management doctor, a person must first complete an undergraduate program. Next, they must attend four years of medical school. After medical school, they must complete at least a three-year residency where they work in a hospital or clinic setting under the training of another experienced pain management doctor. They must also study pain management as a specialty for at least another year and pass a board test to become certified.

What types of pain do Pain Management Specialists treat?

Pain management specialists treat a variety of different types of pain. They can treat anything from mild pain to more severe pain and they often treat complicated pain disorders. They understand which medicines work best for each type of pain. Some common types of pain that pain management specialists treat include:

• Chronic pain
• Migraines
• Back pain
• Hip pain
• Pain caused by sports injuries
• Neck pain
• Bone pain
• Nerve Pain
• Fibromyalgia

What types of diagnostic tests and procedures are conducted by Pain Management Doctors?

In many cases, pain can only be diagnosed by a patient’s explanation of their pain symptoms. Pain management doctors may perform tests to determine the cause of the pain. In some cases, general doctors or other doctors or specialists have already diagnosed the patients and referred them to the pain management specialist. Some common types of diagnostic tests and procedures used include:

• X-rays
• MRIs
• CT Scans
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Myelogram
• Discogram
• Bone scan
• Dexa scan

What are the different types of Pain Management Doctors?

Pain management doctors are specialists themselves. Some of them may be more experienced or receive more training in certain areas. Some doctors specialize in chronic pain and other specialize in pain caused by another disease or disorders.

How do Pain Management Doctors treat pain?

Pain management doctors use a variety of different treatment methods to help their patient’s deal with pain and live normal lives. Some of the most common treatment methods include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Acetaminophen
• Local Injection therapy
• Anti-seizure medications
• Steroids
• Physical therapy
• Cognitive behavior surgery
• Relation techniques
• Heat and cold therapy
• Massage
• Biofeedback

When to see a Pain Management Doctor?

Most patients are referred to pain management doctors from their family doctor or another specialist. Some common reasons to see a pain management doctor include,

• Diagnosed with a chronic pain disorder
• Injured in an accident
• Migraine pain
• Muscle pain
• Back pain
• Nerve pain
• Bone pain
• Shoulder pain
• Leg pain
• Arm pain
• Facial pain
• Foot pain