Who are pain management specialists?
Medically Reviewed by Nassim Assefi, MD on September 6th, 2023
Pain management specialists are experts in treating pain. They can help you find relief from many different types of pain caused by surgery, injury, nerve damage, and conditions like diabetes. They use various treatments, including medications and various therapies, to help you cope with your condition.
If you are living with chronic pain, seeking help from a specialist is essential. Early intervention can help you manage your pain and prevent it from affecting your daily life. Pain management specialists can develop a personalized treatment plan, offer support, and educate you about pain management.
There are different kinds of pain management specialists, including orthopedic specialists and surgeons, osteopathic doctors, rheumatologists, and physiatrists or rehabilitation physicians. Further, physical therapists and occupational therapists, acupuncturists, and chiropractors can also help you manage pain.
What kind of education and treatment do pain management specialists receive?
Pain management specialists are doctors who receive additional training in the physiology of pain - from how it develops to how pain signals transmit throughout the body. After finishing their residency training, they complete at least one year of additional training in the various aspects of pain management to receive a fellowship.
They are eligible for subspecialty board certification after they complete an accredited fellowship and become board-certified in their primary specialty. They can receive board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, the American Board of Anesthesiology, or the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Pain management specialists must also complete continuing education courses to maintain their certification. They receive training in various pain management techniques, including medications, injections, physical therapy, and psychological therapy, and work with patients of all ages.
What kind of treatments do pain management specialists offer?
Pain management doctors help individuals cope with various types of pain. They offer different therapeutic approaches to address pain effectively and can tailor the treatment options to the individual's preferences, medical conditions, and location of pain.
Medical management often involves the guidance of a pain management doctor who may recommend prescription medications or injections. Prescription medications may include opioids, steroids, antidepressants, and other pain relievers. Injections, such as steroid injections, can also be used to manage certain types of pain.
Behavioral therapy, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can complement pain medication and other treatments. CBT helps patients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, empowering them to proactively face the challenges of living with chronic pain.
Physical therapy, performed by a physical therapist, is an effective long-term pain management solution. It focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and mobility to alleviate pain and reduce the need for excessive pain medication or surgical intervention.
Alternative therapies, like acupuncture, massage, hypnosis, and mindfulness meditation can relieve pain for some individuals. Research from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health supports the potential benefits of these therapies for pain management.Ultimately, a pain management doctor can guide individuals in determining the most suitable combination of medical and alternative therapies for their unique pain management needs.
What should one expect during the first visit to a pain management specialist?
When choosing a healthcare professional specializing in pain management near you, look for a doctor with the training and experience to treat your specific type of pain. They should be board-certified, listen well, seem trustworthy, and have a good reputation in the medical community.
Ensure you carry a copy of all your medical records, including any recent reports, such as X-rays, to your first appointment. Also, list all the medicines you are currently taking, including any herbs, vitamins, and supplements. It is advisable to keep a pain diary to note how you feel each day.
Be prepared to discuss your pain with your doctor at the first appointment, such as where it is, how it feels, when it started, and how bad it is. The doctor will also want to know about other treatments you have tried.They will conduct a physical examination to understand your problem and order additional testing if required. Based on the results of these tests, the doctor will provide a suitable treatment plan. This plan may include medications, injections, physical therapy, or other therapies.It is essential to be an active participant in your treatment plan. This means asking questions, being honest with the doctor about your pain, and following the treatment plan.
How can one find a pain management specialist easily?
Finding an expert in pain management near you can be time-consuming, but platforms like Zocdoc simplify the process by allowing you to access licensed medical specialists from home. You can book a virtual appointment or an in-person consultation with a medical expert by providing information about your condition/symptoms, location, and insurance plan on the Zocdoc website or app. The platform offers a list of top-rated pain management specialists, and you can refine your search by gender, location, hospital affiliation, languages spoken, and whether they see children.
You can select your insurance company and plan in the drop-down menu to ensure that the specialist you choose is in-network with your insurance. Zocdoc also provides comprehensive details about each physician's educational background, clinical training, awards, certificates, licenses, and accreditations to help you make an informed decision. Additionally, genuine client reviews are available on the platform to assist you in selecting the best pain management specialist for your needs.Booking appointments on Zocdoc is quick, free of charge, and secure, making it a convenient and reliable option for finding the right expert in pain management near you.
Statistics on pain management specialists and diabetes
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were an estimated 19,060 orthopedic surgeons (except pediatric) and 229,740 physical therapists in the country in May 2022.
Further, according to America's Health Rankings, in 2021, about 10.9% of the adult population in the United States reported being told by a health professional that they had diabetes (this excluded gestational diabetes and prediabetes). States with the highest number of incidences of the condition were West Virginia (15.9%), Mississippi (15.2%), Alabama (15.1%), Tennessee (14%), and Kentucky (13.8%). States with the lowest incidence of diabetes were New Hampshire (8.7%), Washington (8.7%), Vermont (8.5%), Alaska (8.3%), Utah (8%), and Colorado (7%).
Sources
WebMD
Cleveland Clinic
Mayo Clinic
The University of Iowa
Pontchartrain Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Medical News Today
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[1]
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics[2]
America’s Health Rankings
