PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
A pain management specialist is a doctor who evaluates your pain and treats a wide range of pain problems. A pain management doctor treats sudden pain problems such as headaches and many types of long-lasting, chronic, pain such as low back pain.
FIRST VISIT TO A PAIN MANAGEMENT DOCTOR
On the first visit, a pain management doctor will ask you questions about your pain symptoms. He or she may also look at your records, your medication list, and prior diagnostic studies (X-ray, MRI, CT). The doctor will perform a thorough physical exam. At the first visit, It helps to have a pain journal or at least, to be aware of your pain patterns.
Common things your doctor may ask on the first visit:
- Where is your pain? (what body part)
- What does your pain feel like? (dull, aching, tingling)
- How often do you feel pain? (how often during the day or night)
- When do you feel the pain? (with exercise or at rest)
- Setting for the pain? (is it worse standing, sitting, laying down)
- What makes your pain better? (does a certain medication help)
- Have you noticed any other symptom when you have your pain? (like loss of bowel or bladder control)
If you find you’re having difficulty managing your pain, ask the GP for a referral to a specialist pain clinic. Pain clinics offer a wide range of treatments and support. They aim to support you in developing self-help skills to control and relieve your pain. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/how-to-get-nhs-help-for-your-pain/
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