The unique and individual nature of pain presents legitimate challenges not only for those experiencing it but also for those tasked with diagnosing and treating it. Everyone experiences pain differently, and describing it and managing it is not always easy.
Unlike a cut or other obvious injury, not all pain can be traced to a clear cause. Back pain is a perfect example of this—someone can experience it in a very real way, but uncovering the cause is not always simple.
In situations where pain is elusive, a pain management specialist can be the difference between a precise diagnosis with an effective treatment plan and a life of frustration.
What is a Pain Management Specialist?
The technical description of a pain management specialist involves applying medical science to diagnosing and reducing pain. The core of what a pain management specialist does is help patients regain their quality of life and normal function in the face of chronic pain or pain that interferes with daily life.
In practice, this generally involves working with a patient to get to the root of the pain, treating this underlying cause, and addressing both the physiological and psychological aspects of overcoming pain. Throughout this process, a pain management specialist will take a highly individualized approach.
Why are Pain Management Specialists Important?
For those suffering from pain, the search for answers can be quite frustrating. More than that, it can be the difference between a high quality of life and one that is constantly interrupted. A pain management specialist can help you find much-needed answers.
A Personalized Approach
Pain is a deeply individual experience. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions because everyone experiences pain in different ways and for different reasons. A pain management specialist understands this and is committed to working with you. This personalized approach is the opposite of generic—it is specially tailored to you.
By taking the time and making the effort to not only know you but to understand your pain to the best of their ability, a pain management specialist goes above and beyond what you would get from a general practitioner. As a result, they are exceptional at diagnosing the underlying cause of your pain—an integral first step before treatment can begin.
Comprehensive Pain Management
Because pain management specialists are trained in and passionate about helping people overcome debilitating and complex problems, they understand that there are often multiple aspects to pain. For example, they focus on both the physical and mental sides of pain, treating both seriously.
This multi-faceted approach to minimizing pain often helps people overcome physical hurdles (range of motion, strength, and functionality), as well as mental and emotional obstacles (depression, uncertainty). The result is not only an improvement in the level of physical pain but also a better ability to confront the other challenges that accompany chronic pain.
Alternatives to Prescription Pain Medications
Whether you have struggled with pain medication in the past or wish to avoid them for other reasons, a pain management specialist will work with you to make that desire a reality. Other medications are a possibility, but your doctor will likely try other pain management techniques first, including physical therapy, exercise, dietary changes, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and more.
If you have been fighting chronic pain, including back pain, with no resolution in sight, it might be time to consult a pain management specialist. With a dedication to their craft and a specialization in not only treating pain but also making difficult diagnoses, pain management specialists are often the catalyst to a better quality of life.