Whether you are suffering from a chronic pain condition or you are merely seeking relief from a reoccurring condition, there are many things to keep in mind when choosing the right pain management treatment for you. The CDC estimates that 50 million Americans live with chronic pain. It is important to choose a pain management treatment center that takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating chronic pain.
Experience matters
When choosing a pain management specialist, experience is key. Many providers will offer pain relief, but a physician who specializes in treating this type of pain will deliver the best outcomes for patients. An example of such a provider is Pain Specialty Group, LLC, a group of board-certified anesthesiologists who have extensive experience in treating patients with a variety of pain problems. These doctors work with a highly trained staff dedicated to providing the best results.
Keeping active helps manage chronic pain
Physical activity helps manage chronic pain in several ways. It helps you move more and reduces sitting time. It also improves your mental health. Even simple activities, like walking, gardening, and doing household chores, can help you stay active. Keeping active also improves your joint condition and can prevent injury.
Chronic pain is a serious problem for many people, and people who experience it will often do anything they can to reduce its severity. However, this can set off a dangerous cycle of self-limiting activity. Inactivity can reinforce pain sensitivity pathways and contribute to a vicious cycle.
Avoiding narcotics
Avoiding narcotics when choosing a pain management treatment is critical for a variety of reasons. These powerful drugs have significant side effects and can lead to addiction. In addition, there are many alternatives to opioids, including massage, acupuncture, and high-tech treatments such as electrical and radio waves.
Opioids are a powerful form of pain medication, but should only be used when you have tried all other options. Opioids come in a variety of forms, from tablets to liquids. They also cause the patient to build a tolerance to them, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect. If this happens, your provider may switch to a different type of opioid, a different dosage, or a different way to give the drug.
Finding a clinic that uses a multi-disciplinary approach
A multi-disciplinary approach to pain management is often the best course of treatment for patients with chronic pain. It combines medical intervention with a rehabilitation focus, with the goal of improving the patient’s quality of life and independence. These programs are often offered by hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
Conclusion:
The multi-disciplinary approach emphasizes the importance of teamwork, requiring a collaborative effort among specialists from different disciplines. In a multi-disciplinary pain management clinic, members from each discipline are expected to regularly communicate with each other, both regarding the progress of a particular patient and the patient’s overall development.