When Should You Call a Doctor Who Specializes in Pain Management?

Patients in pain are often confused about what type of doctor to call, and worry that perhaps all a doctor can do for them is prescribe a powerful drug. What many people do not know is there are physicians with specialized training in pain management who have numerous effective techniques at their disposal--some that involve prescribing medication, but many that do not.

One type of doctor skilled in treating pain is a physiatrist -- pronounced fizz-EYE-a-trist -- not to be confused with a podiatrist or psychiatrist. Trained in physical medicine and rehabilitation, physiatrists are highly skilled at diagnosing and treating acute pain, chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders.

These pain management specialists have in-depth knowledge of the physiology of pain, the ability to evaluate patients with complicated pain problems, an understanding of specialized tests needed for diagnosing painful conditions, and the appropriate skills and knowledge needed to treat serious pain.

Very often your primary care physician will refer you to a physiatrist, but this step is usually not necessary. You can call to make an appointment directly--perhaps before you call an orthopedist, neurologist, or chiropractor--depending on your condition.

How do you find the right doctor and treatment plan for your pain?

Most important in your search for the right pain management specialist, is finding the doctor who has the training and experience to help with your particular pain problem, and with whom you feel comfortable and respected.

The severity of your pain will determine the course and methods of your treatment, and your doctor will need to evaluate your condition carefully. A good doctor will take a detailed history, do a physical exam and review any tests you have had performed. He or she will also want to know about your past and current medical history. Sometimes it will be necessary to have diagnostic procedures to assess the causes of your problem in order to determine the best treatment for it.

The end result will be the creation of a highly individualized treatment plan tailored to both your physical and mental needs. This may include both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions, geared toward maximizing function and symptom control while minimizing your dependency on medication.

It’s an exciting time in the field of pain management, as new drugs, techniques and technologies continue to emerge. Platelet rich plasma injections and P-Stim/pulse stimulation treatment are just a few examples of the latest innovations.

Doctors trained to treat pain are dedicated to restoring your quality of life and doing everything in their power to help keep your pain managed and under control, and in the best of cases, banished.

About the Author: Dr. Edwin Gangemi is Board Certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and the Founder of Jersey Rehab Pain Management, which has four treatment centers in New Jersey (Belleville, Rumson, West Orange, and Hackensack) and one in the Bronx, NY dedicated to providing accurate diagnoses and innovative treatment for those suffering from acute or chronic pain.