When Should You See A Pain Management Specialist?
Have you ever experienced a sharp pain in your neck or back while doing everyday tasks like grocery shopping? Well, you’re not alone.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that 20.5% of U.S. adults experience consistent pain that worsens by day(1). This pain is usually felt in the back, hip, or foot. Many people find it hard to decide if they need to see a professional.
Have you been battling physical pain for over three months now? Does it refuse to subside no matter what, or worse, become more aggravated with time? Here, we can provide you with advice and guidance from a pain management specialist.
There’s no need to bear such pain in your daily life by choosing to suffer silently. One of our patients put it this way: Dealing with constant pain makes it hard to plan ahead, as you never know how you’ll feel each day.
At Advanced Pain Care, our experts use various methods to treat different types of pain. We answer your search for the ‘best pain specialists near me.’ Our chronic pain specialists use the best treatments to target the main source of your pain so you can feel better. We incorporate specialized procedures to reduce pain and improve your overall health. Seeking treatment can alleviate chronic pain to reduce psychological and social stressors.
Treating chronic pain is not as daunting as it may seem. You just need to be familiar with different signs that warrant expert attention, which is exactly what this article will explore.
5 Signs that You Need A Pain Specialist
Pain specialists help you find the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan to relieve your pain. Here are five signs that suggest you should see a pain specialist.
- Difficulty in day-to-day activities – If pain is making it hard to do your daily tasks or if you’re relying more on pain medication, it’s time to get help. A pain specialist can assist you in managing your pain and find ways to reduce its impact, helping you gain control of your life again.
- Numbness or burning sensation – Numbness or burning sensations imply the pain is worsening and spreading. Sometimes, it’s due to an injury or medical issue. Typically, a mix of medicine, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can ease pain and enhance the quality of life.
- Inability to sleep – Pain can make falling and staying asleep tough. But it’s not just pain; stress, anxiety; medication can also affect sleep. Some pain meds can cause insomnia or disrupt sleep, which in turn worsens pain symptoms. If you’re having sleep issues, it may be time to see a pain management specialist for help.
- Consistent pain -If you have constant, severe pain that disrupts your daily life, it’s time to see a pain specialist. Chronic pain that lasts over 3 months can stem from different issues like arthritis, nerve damage, and fibromyalgia. I. If you experience chronic pain, it’s crucial to see a pain specialist.
- Dependency on medication – Relying daily on pain medication can become a problem. Side effects like drowsiness, nausea, or dependency may occur. It’s important to consult a chronic pain specialist if you’re using pain medication regularly. Pain physicians can offer alternative ways to manage your pain without relying solely on medication.
Causes of Chronic Pain
Chronic pain caused by injury, illness, or nerve damage makes everyday activities, like walking or sitting, difficult. Below are some common causes of chronic pain.
- Poor Posture – Incorrect body movements or poor posture can often cause chronic pain. When you slouch, your muscles and ligaments strain to support your spine, leading to pain and stiffness. Over time, this can alter the spine’s natural curve, worsening the pain.
- Lifting and carrying overweight objects – Lifting heavy objects often leads to chronic pain. This pain usually comes from repeating the same movements, causing injuries like tendonitis or bursitis. Sometimes, it’s due to a herniated disc or pinched nerve. The pain can be short-lived (acute) or long-lasting (chronic), ranging from mild to severe.
- Congenital conditions like curvature of the spine – Chronic pain is often caused by different conditions, like the Congenital l condition, where the spine curves abnormally. The spine’s misalignment can cause c pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. Pain can also occur in the hips and knees. Your pain management specialist may recommend pain medication, physical therapy, and various exercises to enhance posture and strengthen spine-supporting muscles.
- Traumatic injury – When someone suffers a serious injury, it can cause lasting physical and emotional pain. We use a multidisciplinary approach to assist patients in managing their pain. This can involve medication, physical therapy, and counseling. In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
- Poor sleeping habits – Bad sleeping habits often lead to ongoing pain. If you have chronic pain, you may struggle to sleep well. Poor sleep can also make you more sensitive and intensify the pain.
Are you unsure about the cause of your chronic pain? Consult our chronic pain clinics in Austin and other areas in Texas.
How Often Are You Required to Visit A Pain Clinic?
Many people only need to see a pain management doctor every few months, but this can vary depending on your situation.
Your medical history and other medications influence how often you need to visit.
No matter how often you see your pain management specialists, it is important to update them on any changes in your pain or symptoms. Listen to your body, and if you feel more pain than usual, schedule an appointment with a pain specialist near you.
Pain Specialist at Advanced Pain Care for Chronic Pain Treatment in Austin, TX
Chronic pain affects millions globally and can greatly disrupt your life if not managed well. At Advanced Pain Care, our experts diagnose and treat various types of pain, including cancer pain and neck pain, We have specialists in Pain Management, Neurosurgery, Rheumatology, and Behavioral Health. We also have physical therapists available to assist with your recovery.
Additionally, we provide medications for pain relief, both prescription and over-the-counter. Our specialists are skilled in non-surgical interventional pain management, such as nerve block injections and minimally invasive procedures to manage pain. We also offer psychological support, so you no longer need to search for ‘pain doctors near me.’ You can book an appointment online at any of the Advanced Pain Care centers near you.
Our advanced surgical centers are located in Austin, Amarillo, Killeen, and Round Rock. We accept insurance from all major providers, including in-network carriers, behavioral health networks, and worker’s compensation certified networks. Visit Advanced Pain Care to find relief from your pain.
