Got a craving for satisfying cracks and adjustments? You’re not alone! Watch real clients experience pain relief on our TikTok with over 50 clips and 7M+ views.
How a Pain Management Doctor Can Help You Live a Pain-free Life
Pain, whether acute or chronic, can significantly impact your quality of life. Working with a qualified pain management doctor can help you overcome the pain and return to the way of life you once enjoyed. Understanding what to expect from your first pain management appointment and the role your pain management doctor will play in the process can be crucial in navigating your way to a life free of pain.
If you are experiencing acute or chronic pain, Unruh Spine Center can help. Our team of health professionals will use their expertise and a wide range of modalities to give you much-needed relief from your pain. Call (661) 288-0022 for effective pain management in Santa Clarita.
Your initial appointment with a pain management doctor is the first step in understanding and managing your pain. During your first visit, you can expect the following:
In-depth Discussion
Your pain management specialist will ask you about your pain source and symptoms. Be prepared to describe the pain’s location, its nature (whether the pain is sharp, dull, or aching,) its frequency, what makes the pain worse, and what, if anything, alleviates the pain.
Review of Your Medical History
Your doctor will review your past medical records, medication list, and any prior tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Bringing all test results and records of your doctor’s visits can be helpful.
Physical Exam
Your pain specialist will conduct a thorough physical examination, so he or she can assess your pain and the impact it has had on your physical function and range of motion.
Setting Expectations and Goals
Your pain management doctor will also discuss the possible causes and outline a preliminary pain treatment plan. This might include medication, physical therapy, or additional diagnostic tests.
Instruction on Keeping a Pain Journal
When beginning a pain treatment plan, it is helpful to maintain a pain journal. This journal helps you and your doctor track your pain intensity, patterns, and the factors that affect your pain level. You will rate your pain on a 0-10 scale and detail how it affects your daily activities and mood.
A pain doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating both chronic and acute pain. Their role involves the following:
Evaluating the Source of Your Pain
Pain specialists assess different types of pain, including pain caused by injury to the tissue, such as arthritis, nerve injury, such as neuropathy, or injuries to both, such as back pain.
Developing an Effective Treatment Plan
Your doctor’s planned course of treatment will ultimately depend on the nature and severity of your condition. Most preliminary plans involve pain and/or anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. More advanced treatment plans may include trigger point injections, acupuncture, high-frequency ultrasound, and shockwave therapy.
Offering Personalized Care
There is no one right way to treat pain. Therefore, your pain treatment specialist will carefully consider your medical history and the type, source, and pain level. After your doctor performs a thorough evaluation, they will tailor a pain management plan based on your specific needs.
Taking a Multidisciplinary Approach
Managing and treating your pain will typically involve a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, which may include working with chiropractors, acupuncturists, physical therapists, massage therapists, psychologists, and other medical and health specialists.
Explaining Your Condition and The Available Treatments
Teaching you about your condition and all treatment options is a critical part of the pain management process. Knowing as much as possible about the source of your pain and the available ways to treat it will allow you to make an informed decision on the ideal course of treatment.
Pain management clinics are healthcare facilities that focus on diagnosing and treating chronic and acute pain. With a team of medical and holistic healthcare specialists, pain management centers can offer both surgical and non-surgical treatment options, giving you, the patient, the ability to choose which methods work best for your needs and personal preferences.
If you are experiencing short-term or chronic pain and discomfort, there are effective treatment methods available to manage and even rid you of this debilitating condition. Remember, there is no need to accept pain as a part of your life. With the caring and knowledgeable team at Unruh Spine Centers, your pain will no longer be a reality.
Our team of health professionals takes a whole-body approach to pain management by offering a wide range of modalities. Our versatility and expertise allow us to quickly locate the cause of your pain and provide long-term treatment solutions and an unparalleled level of care to get you back to a pain-free life.
To learn more about our pain management clinic in Santa Clarita, call Unruh Spine Centers today at (661) 288-0022.