Six Benefits of Seeing a Pain Management Doctor as Your Age

About one in five American adults experience chronic pain. That's about 50.2 million people. The lost productivity due to chronic pain costs about $300 billion each year. 

You don't have to live life in pain anymore. Instead, consider visiting a pain management doctor this year. They could help provide long-term pain relief.

On the fence about looking for "pain management doctors near me?" Here are six benefits to consider first.

Reviewing these benefits can help you make a more informed choice with your health and well-being in mind. 

Read on to discover the top benefits of visiting pain management doctors today. 

1. Comprehensive and Personalized Care

A pain management doctor has special training to diagnose and treat acute or chronic pain. Their specialized training can ensure you receive a personalized care plan.

A chronic doctor can only treat common aches and pains. Unfortunately, they might not fully understand pain that's more complex. As a result, a general physician might refer you to a chronic pain management doctor. 

Your pain doctor can help develop a comprehensive pain management plan with your needs in mind. Their customized treatment plan might include:

• Physical therapy
• Medications
• Interventional therapies

A treatment plan that's customized to your needs could prove more beneficial. After all, no two patients have the same lifestyle, condition, or symptoms. The underlying cause of your symptoms is an important factor to consider, too.

For proper chronic pain management, you need a specialist. Otherwise, you might waste time finding the right treatment through trial and error. During that time, your pain symptoms will only persist. 

Your doctor will consider the different factors that are contributing to your condition. For example, they might consider your:

• Stress
• Depression
• Excessive weight
• Home or work ergonomics
• Poor posture
• Other medical conditions

Considering these factors can help your pain doctor fully customize your treatment plan. 

2. Identify the Root Cause

In order to develop an effective treatment plan, your chronic pain management doctor will need to consider what's causing your pain. They'll identify the root cause of your pain to ensure they relieve the pain.

In many cases, however, identifying the root cause of your symptoms could prove challenging. After all, everyone's case is unique. The distinct factors contributing to your pain could differ from someone else's.

A pain doctor has advanced training. They'll have the ability to perform a thorough evaluation to determine what's causing your pain. Their evaluation could include several tests.

Then, they can diagnose the specific, underlying cause of your pain symptoms. From there, they'll determine the best course of action to ease your pain.  

3. Recent Pain Research

Visiting a pain management doctor will also give you access to the latest research in pain management. Your doctor will remain up-to-date with new techniques and treatments, too. They'll ensure you receive the best possible treatment for your condition.

For example, some doctors use injection therapy. Radiofrequency ablation and fluoroscopy can guide them before they choose the injection site.

The field of regenerative medicine has experienced developments in recent years, too. For example, pain management doctors might recommend PRP therapy. PRP therapy is among the latest treatment options for musculoskeletal issues.

Having access to a doctor who remains up-to-date with these developments can benefit your treatment plan. Remember, your doctor will adjust the plan based on your distinct needs.

They'll ensure your plan is customized while choosing the best solutions for your underlying condition. 

4. Specialized Equipment

Your pain management doctor will have access to specialized equipment. Their equipment could make it easier for them to pinpoint the root cause of your pain. It can help them effectively and quickly diagnose your condition.

Living life unaware of what's causing your pain symptoms can cause unnecessary stress. Visiting a chronic pain specialist can help. You don't have to live life with the mystery anymore.

In many cases, you can only gain access to this type of equipment at a pain management doctor's office.

These doctors also have additional training and certifications necessary to use such equipment. 

5. Experience With Your Condition

Some of the most common types of chronic pain include:

• Lower back pain (27% of cases)
• Headaches/migraines (15%)
• Neck pain (15%)
• Facial pain (4%)

The older you get, the more likely you'll experience chronic pain as well. About 30% of adults over the age of 65 experience chronic pain.

Remember, pain management doctors specialize. They're more likely to have seen your condition before. As a result, they're also more likely to develop an effective treatment plan faster than general physicians. 

They could recommend several ideas that have worked for their previous patients.

You can visit a pain specialist for a range of conditions, including:

• Whiplash
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Slip and fall incidents 
• Neck and back injuries
• Joint pain

You could develop one of these injuries after a car crash or work-related accident. 

Finding a doctor with experience treating your type of condition can ensure a more effective treatment plan. 

6. More Treatment Options

Pain management doctors spend all their team treating patients who suffer from chronic, lasting pain. These doctors will have a range of treatment options that can help ease your chronic pain symptoms. 

For example, they might recommend new medications. Their access to specialized treatment can benefit your treatment plan, too.

With access to a chronic pain management doctor, you might receive a diagnosis sooner as well. Remember, these doctors have specialized training. They'll have a better understanding of the condition you're experiencing.

Then, they can determine which treatment options will best suit your needs.

With their effective pain management treatments, you can experience pain relief as soon as possible. 

Ease the Pain: 6 Benefits of Seeing a Pain Management Doctor Today

Don't let your chronic pain slow you down anymore. Instead, consider these benefits of visiting a pain management doctor. Their specialized equipment and training can ensure a fast, accurate diagnosis.

With their help, you can begin treatment and start easing your pain away.

Eager to get started? We're here to help.

Schedule an appointment with our specialists today to get started.