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 frequently or almost every day (1). This pain is usually felt in the back, hip, or foot. Most people find it hard to decide if they need to see a professional.

Pain can affect daily life in many ways. Seeking treatment can alleviate chronic pain and reduce psychological and social stressors. A pain management specialist is a doctor who finds and treats the cause of pain, offering treatments to help you move and feel better. Some people think pain is just part of aging or that surgery is the only solution. These ideas often stop them from getting the right care. However, pain management doctors provide many non-surgical treatments that can ease pain and improve movement.

If pain is slowing you down, don’t wait. Search for “the best pain management near me” to find the relief you deserve! If you’re in Austin, Amarillo, Waco/Killeen, or Round Rock, consult Advanced Pain Care. Our experts use various methods to treat a variety of pain conditions, making you feel better.

Understanding Pain: When Is It a Concern?

Pain comes in different forms, and understanding its nature can help you decide when to seek timely medical help.

• Acute vs. Chronic Pain
  Acute pain happens suddenly, often from an injury or surgery, and it improves as the body heals. Chronic pain lasts longer than three months and may come from conditions like arthritis, nerve damage, or spine problems.
• Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Pain
  Long-term pain can affect mobility, sleep, and overall health. Consulting a pain management specialist early can help prevent complications and improve daily life.
• Signs You Need a Doctor’s Help
  • Pain that lasts more than three months (chronic pain treatment may be needed)
  • Pain that worsens over time
  • Pain that disrupts sleep, work, or daily activities
  • Dependence on pain medication for relief
  • Pain without a clear cause

Visit a pain management clinic​ to learn more and get the care you need.

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Congenital conditions like curvature of the spine – Chronic pain is often caused by different conditions, such as congenital conditions where the spine curves abnormally. The spine’s misalignment can cause 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.  

When Should You See 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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Inability to sleep – Pain can make falling and staying asleep tough. But it’s not just pain; stress, anxiety, and 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Pain shouldn’t take over your life. If you have any of these signs, a pain specialist can help you feel better.

Conditions Treated by a Pain Management Doctor

A pain management specialist can treat many conditions, including:

• Chronic Back and Neck Pain
  Herniated discs, sciatica, and muscle strain can cause serious discomfort. Back pain treatment can include injections, therapy, and other treatments.
• Arthritis and Joint Pain
  Arthritis makes it hard to move. Doctors offer joint injections, therapy, and other treatments to help reduce pain and stiffness.
• Nerve Pain
  Conditions like diabetic neuropathy need special neuropathic pain treatment to avoid further damage.
• Headaches & Migraines
  If headaches or migraines keep coming back, a pain management specialist can provide relief with nerve blocks and other treatments.
• Fibromyalgia & Widespread Pain
  Fibromyalgia causes ongoing pain throughout the body. A good pain management treatment can make it easier to manage symptoms.
• Post-Surgery Pain or Injury Recovery
  Pain after surgery or an injury can slow down healing. A chronic pain clinic can create a plan to help you recover faster.

Advance Pain Care plans out comprehensive and personalized pain management treatments that fit your lifestyle and needs.

Get The Best Pain Care Treatment At Your Nearest Advanced Pain Care Center

Pain relief is possible with the right care. The pain management specialists at Advanced Pain Care provide effective ways to target the source of pain, not just the symptoms. Our expert team offers back pain treatment, sciatica pain treatment, and therapies for other types of chronic pain. 

With personalized treatment plans (targeted injections, physical therapy, etc.) and the latest medical advancements, we ensure you receive the best possible care.

In addition to standard treatments, we offer options like gentle nerve treatments and lifestyle changes to help you feel better in the long run. Our doctors listen to your needs and create a care plan that works for you. Whether you want to stay active, get back to work, or simply enjoy life without pain, we’re ready to help.