When you are suffering from acute or chronic pain, pain management physicians are the specialists you should turn to. Out of all the doctors, they specialize in treating the pain of any kind. Now, you may be curious about how a pain management physician can keep pain from interfering with your life. They use noninvasive treatments to address your condition, and if those don’t relieve your pain, they may recommend minimally invasive therapies.
Let’s talk about how pain management physicians can help you and where you can find the best pain management physician in Melbourne, FL.
Diagnosing the Source of Your Pain
With their years of training and experience, pain management physicians are skilled in finding the cause of your pain. They can do this through several diagnostic methods.
A Review of Your Medical History
First, your physician will ask about your medical history, including previous injuries. They would also like to know about any medical conditions related to your pain.
A Physical Examination
Next, they will have you undergo a physical examination. Through this diagnostic method, they will be able to determine the extent and severity of your pain.
During the exam, they will assess your range of motion and posture. Your physician will also check for spots around the painful area that feel tender to touch.
Imaging Tests
Pain management physicians can also use a variety of imaging tests to find the source of your paint. These can include X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.
Another way to diagnose the cause of your pain is electromyography.
This test checks how well your muscles respond to nerve signals, helping your physician rule out neuromuscular conditions.
Developing aCustomized Treatment Plan
Once your physician identifies the source of your pain, they will work with you to create a treatment plan. This plan will always be developed to suit your needs and goals best.
To customize the treatment, your pain management physician will consider:
- The type of pain you experience
- Its cause and severity
- Your medical history
There are two types of pain that will determine what kind of treatment you will get: acute and chronic pain.
Acute pain is sharp and sudden. It is usually caused by a disease, injury, or inflammation. While acute pain can fade away after some time, it can sometimes turn into chronic pain.
Chronic pain lasts for more than six months and is normally caused by an untreated injury or disease.
Providing Ongoing Pain Management
Pain can take a while, and it might not even disappear entirely. For this reason, pain management physicians will always work closely with you while you follow your treatment plan.
When needed, your pain management physician can adjust your treatment. This will keep it effective at treating your pain.
Pain, especially the chronic kind, can also lead to depression and anxiety. Fortunately, your physician can provide counsel and therapy to help you cope with the treatment and physical discomfort.
Offering Nonsurgical Procedures
Your physician will prioritize noninvasive treatments to help relieve your pain. For example, they may prescribe medications or guided injections.
If those do not work, your doctor may recommend some minimally invasive therapies. This means your body won’t receive incisions or wounds as it would during surgical operations.
These methods also require less recovery time and involve fewer complications.
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
SCS is one example of a minimally invasive therapy for pain management. A form of neuro modulation therapy, this treatment uses a device called a spinal cord stimulator.
It works by sending low levels of electricity into your spinal cord to reduce pain.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
RFA is another minimally invasive treatment that can help with your pain. This procedure uses radio waves to generate heat that will destroy the ends of nerves associated with your pain.
RFA is often used to treat neck, back, and hip pain.
Coordinating Care with Other specialists
To give you the best treatment possible, pain management physicians will often work with other healthcare professionals.
Different fields of medicine can hold the key to the source of your pain. Therefore, your physician can ask for help in diagnosing your condition.
For example, they can ask a neurologist to spot potential signs of a nervous system disorder. Other specialists that can help you are providers specializing in:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedic surgery
- Sports medicine
- Physical medicine and rehabilitation
Your pain management physician will also be part of a team dedicated to your treatment plan. Other team members can include other doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners.
Pain Management Doctors Near You in Melbourne, FL
Pain management is crucial in restoring quality of life to anyone suffering from any kind of pain. The best kinds of doctors to provide this treatment are pain management physicians. So, consulting one is something to keep in mind.
Are you in need of pain management doctors near you? Look no further than Central Florida Spine & Pain, the best interventional pain management clinic in Melbourne, FL. Our board-certified interventional pain management doctor, Dr. Nicholas Giordano, is known for providing treatment plans tailored to your needs and goals.
If you have any questions, call our clinic today at (321) 802-5021. You may also fill out our convenient online request form to book a visit with one of our interventional pain specialists.