When is it Time to See a Pain Doctor?

Are you struggling to get through the day because of an old injury or back pain? Maybe you don't know what caused your pain to begin with. Either way, you're not alone.

In fact, an estimated 50 million adults in America suffer from chronic pain. That's over 20% of the population! Another 19.6 million have high-impact chronic pain that impacts their quality of life.

Don't let your pain slow you down. Instead, consider visiting a pain doctor.

They can help you determine the root issue and ensure you start treatment.

Still on the fence? Here are seven reasons you shouldn't wait to start searching for a "pain doctor near me." Keep reading to learn more!

1. Your Pain Persists

One of the biggest indicators that it's time to visit a chronic pain doctor is if your pain persists. If it hasn't gone away after a few months, it probably won't on its own. Waiting for your pain to fade could waste valuable time.

Meanwhile, your condition will get worse. Your quality of life might decline, too.

For example, you might find it's more difficult to participate in sports you once enjoyed. You might struggle to play with your kids or grandkids. You might even have to miss work.

Instead of letting your pain ruin your life, consider doing something about it.

A pain management doctor can help you develop a customized treatment plan. First, they'll help you determine the root cause of your pain. You might need to change certain factors in your life to reduce your pain.

For example, you might develop pain after repeating the same motions over time, either at work or when playing sports. These repetitive motions can put a strain on your muscles.

Maybe your bad posture is the culprit. Your chronic pain doctor might suggest you make changes to your work environment. A standing desk or other ergonomic tools could help you improve your posture.

Once your doctor determines the cause of your pain, they can develop a customized treatment strategy to help you keep the pain at bay. 

2. You Experience Pain With Motion

Certain movements might make your pain worse. If your pain persists each time you complete a specific activity or motion, schedule an appointment. A board-certified pain doctor can help.

Make a note of which activities are intensifying your pain. Where are you experiencing pain? Is it localized or causing a tingling sensation?

Keeping track of your symptoms can help your doctor during your first appointment. 

They'll determine where the pain is originating from. Some doctors use selective nerve-rooting blocking to find the source. Others use methods like pain mapping.

Understanding more about why you're experiencing pain can also help you find the best chronic pain doctor in the area. Make sure to look for someone who is experienced, certified, and prepared to offer the help you need. 

3. Medications Aren't Helping

Many people turn to pain medications to ease the chronic inflammation that's causing their pain. Unfortunately, you can develop a tolerance over time. Depending on medication to ease your pain can also become dangerous if you're not careful. 

Turning to certain medications can do more harm than good. Instead of increasing the dose, turn to a pain management doctor.

They can help you find treatment options that don't rely on medications. In fact, there are many holistic methods that could help ease your pain. 

For example, some pain physicians suggest physical therapy or an acupuncture session. A combination of treatments could help ease your pain. 

4. You Can't Perform Usual Activities

Remember, chronic pain can have a major impact on your quality of life. If you're struggling to complete some of the activities you used to enjoy, make an appointment. 

Sometimes, pain can seem like it's getting better, only to impact your range of motion. As a result, you could struggle to complete your job. You might find it's more difficult to work out (which might actually help the pain). 

If you're struggling more than usual throughout the day, consider speaking with a pain doctor right away. 

5. Pain Affects Your Sleep

Is your pain keeping you up at night? Are you struggling to find a comfortable sleep position? Both issues indicate it's time for you to make an appointment.

Without proper sleep, you're putting your overall health at risk. It's recommended that adults get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each day. Otherwise, you might:

• Get drowsy enough to get into an accident (making your condition worse)
• Experience mood swings
• Develop memory issues
• Struggle to concentrate during problem-solving or creativity situations
• Develop high blood pressure
• Increase your risk of heart disease or diabetes
• Develop poor balance
• Experience weight gain
• Weaken your immune system

Let your pain doctor know if your symptoms are impacting your ability to sleep. 

6. Strange Sensations

Pain doesn't always feel like a dull ache or throbbing. In some cases, you might feel the pain radiate over an arm, leg, or your entire body. You could experience a tingling or numbing sensation, too.

These sensations indicate that you've developed a pinched nerve or herniated disc.

Don't forget to keep track of your symptoms. Let your pain management doctor know if you're experiencing these weird sensations or radiating pain.

7. You Want to Avoid Invasive Surgery

The combined health care and indirect costs for adults with back pain reached about $12 billion annually. That's just for Americans with back problems.

If you fail to visit a chronic pain doctor, your condition could get worse. You might require invasive surgery to ease the pain. Instead of waiting to reach that point, consider visiting an expert. 

They can help you develop a treatment plan that doesn't include a risky, expensive surgery.

Ease the Pain Away: 7 Signs It's Time to Visit a Pain Doctor

Don't let your pain slow you down! Instead, keep an eye out for these seven signs. If any of these sound familiar, consider scheduling an appointment with a pain doctor right away.

They can help you start a course of treatment designed to keep your pain at bay. 

Ready to schedule an appointment? Find our nearest location to you today!