How To Find The Right Pain Management Physician For You

Chronic pain affects over 20% of the U.S. population every day. Injuries, illnesses like cancer, work-related stress, and degenerative diseases can all cause pain that is chronic, severe, and debilitating. However, despite its prevalence in the population, most chronic pain sufferers never seek the help they deserve.

Chronic pain causes more than just disability. It can put someone out of work and unable to provide for their family. It can take away the joy of going on a morning walk, or playing with grandkids in the backyard. It can affect young as well as older patients and can limit even the simplest of daily activities.

If you’re one of the millions of Americans living with chronic pain, there are options out there for you other than suffering in silence.

Is my pain normal or should I see a doctor?

You may think that aching joints, a bad knee, or back pain are simply a part of the normal aging process. And while certain risk factors (such as the type of work you do and previous injuries you’ve sustained) can impact how frequently you experience pain, it is considered a medical issue if it lasts more than 3 to 6 months or longer than “normal healing” for an injury.

What does a pain management doctor do?

If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic pain, your next step should be to schedule a consultation with a pain management specialist. These physicians can help diagnose the root cause of your chronic pain and offer a variety of treatments ranging from surgeries to physical therapy, medications, and more.

It’s a common misconception that chronic pain patients are always prescribed painkillers and become addicted. While this is a significant problem in America, it is not the only solution to chronic pain. If you’re looking for long-lasting solutions to your pain, PPOA can help.

What should a patient look for when choosing a pain management specialist?

If you’re worried about finding a physician who can actually treat your pain instead of simply prescribing you a painkiller, there are a few qualities you should look for when consulting with your physician. Talk to a doctor who:

Listens to your pain problems with empathy and respect
Encourages you to ask questions and who explains things in a way you understand
Offers a variety of pain management options, including but not limited to medications, physical therapy, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments
Offers preventative strategies after initial pain treatment to ensure you can lead a pain-free life both now and in the future

PPOA selects from top physicians around the U.S. to deliver you the best pain management care at an affordable price. We work with a variety of options to give you your life back, free of chronic and debilitating pain. If you want to learn more about your options with PPOA, give your local office a call!