When Should I Go to a Pain Specialist in Arizona?

Are you in pain? Has debilitating pain become a part of your daily life? Are you tired of putting on a fake smile and merely masking your pain?

No one enjoys the constant rummaging through the medicine cabinet to get through the day or night. A pain specialist is here to help. Continue reading for more information on Arizona pain specialists. 

Pain Specialist

A pain specialist specializes in determining the origin of any pain you may be experiencing. A multidisciplinary treatment plan will be created that is tailored to your specific needs. As part of your treatment plan, your pain specialist may recommend the following:

• Physical therapy
• Diagnostic testing
• Referral to other specialists
• Collaboration with a pain psychologist

A pain specialist will help you overcome any pain you may be experiencing, treating you as a person and not just your pain. 

Types Of Chronic Pain

Chronic pain can be described as pain that persists, lasting longer than twelve weeks. Four of the most common types of chronic pain include back pain, headaches, joint pain, and nerve pain.

Chronic back pain can be the result of bulging discs caused by lifting injuries. Arthritis, osteoporosis, and normal wear and tear as we age can attribute to chronic back pain. 

Chronic headaches can be described as occurring for at least fifteen days per month for a three-month consecutive period. Migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches, and eye strain headaches are often the culprit. 

Chronic joint pain, generally occurring due to advancing age, sports-related injury, or infection, affects one out of every two adults. A few common types of chronic joint pain include rheumatoid arthritis, repetitive motion injury, tendinitis, and osteoarthritis.  

Sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, and diabetic neuropathy are a few common examples of chronic nerve pain. 

If you are experiencing pain related to one of these chronic pain conditions, you may be wondering, "How can a pain specialist help me"?

Is It Time To See A Pain Specialist?

Only you are aware of the level of pain which you are experiencing.

If you struggle with pain that doesn't go away, find yourself needing more medication for relief, or you wish to reduce the number of painkillers you are taking, it may be time to make an appointment with your local pain specialist. 

Living with chronic pain doesn't have to be a burden. A pain management specialist may be able to help you get rid of your pain completely. 

Identify Your Treatment Goals

It is important to identify your treatment goals and talk with your doctor about your desired result. Your pain management specialist may recommend lifestyle changes to help alleviate your pain and prevent future issues.

A few steps you can take for your overall health include often exercising, managing your stress levels, focusing on positivity, proper nutrition, and getting an adequate amount of sleep each night. 

Treatment Options

If you are an Arizona resident experiencing chronic pain, various treatment options are available to you at your local Arizona pain center. Board-certified professionals will work with you to determine the best possible treatment if you live with chronic pain. 

Arizona pain specialists use the latest medical research to free you from any pain and discomfort you may be experiencing.

Various treatment options are available, including but not limited to medication management, chiropractic care, and injection procedures using nerve blocks or steroids.

Interventional Pain Management

Interventional pain management specialists are physicians with advanced pain management methods, including spine injections and nerve blocks.

The majority of these pain specialists complete a five-year residency in anesthesiology followed by a one-year fellowship in pain management. 

Medical Pain Management

Medical pain management specialist work with patients that have chronic conditions that require long term medication use. This category of pain management specialists includes family medicine doctors, internal medicine doctors, and psychiatrists.   

A medical pain management specialist can help navigate new regulations and laws regarding pain medication. They can ensure that you take the proper dose for the specified amount of time to avoid any potential pain medication dependencies.  

Preparing For Your First Visit

Before you pick up the phone to call your local Arizona pain specialist, it is important to do your research. There are different types of pain specialists with different approaches and medical training. 

Once you locate a pain specialist, you can start preparing for your visit.

Try keeping a pain journal, logging any symptoms you may be experiencing. Describe where the pain is, how often you experience it, and try your best to describe what it feels like.  Take note if certain movements or positions help or worsen these symptoms.

What To Expect During Your First Visit

During your first visit, your pain specialist will conduct a thorough exam and create a unique plan of care just for you. This plan will be shared with your healthcare team and primary care physician. 

During your course of treatment, your progress will be communicated by support staff to your referring primary care physician. You will be educated on managing your condition with the ultimate goal of providing you with a better quality of life. 

Contact AZ Pain Doctors Today

Why go through another sleepless night or dreadful morning combating your pain. You deserve the best quality of life possible. Your local pain specialist can help you achieve life again, pain-free.

Arizona residents, give us a call or locate your local AZ pain center today. Helping you is our specialty.