Reports show that more than 100 million people in the United States are living with chronic pain. That means that a large percentage of the population is dealing with pain that lasts for months or years.
If you are experiencing chronic pain, then you are likely feeling desperate to find any solution that provides relief. Unfortunately, too often, patients move from doctor to doctor, with subpar results.
Medical providers might offer differing diagnoses. You try various treatment options only to experience subpar results. Eventually, chronic pain patients sometimes face the grim reality that they will be dealing with pain indefinitely.
At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, we are here to tell you that there is hope for chronic pain relief. No matter how long you have been suffering from this condition, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team uses a range of alternative therapies to offer immediate and long-lasting results.
Why Do Doctors Send You to Pain Management?
When you are sick or in pain, then a primary care physician is usually the first step. Many families have ongoing relationships with a generalist. You feel comfortable with the medical services and continue visiting the same office for years.
Primary care physicians are great resources for acute injuries and illnesses. Not only is it convenient to always go to the same doctor, but you know what to expect when you need medical care.
Since primary care physicians are generalists, they don’t offer specialized services beyond basic medical care. For example, your primary care doctor might be able to prescribe pain medication to reduce immediate symptoms. But they don’t have the specialty needed to offer other treatment options for long-term results.
When your primary care physician reaches the end of their medical expertise, they will refer you to a visit with a specialist. Most primary care doctors understand their limits and know when it’s time to refer patients elsewhere. Then, you can gain the benefits of seeing a doctor who is trained specifically in chronic pain management.
Pain Management Doctors: How They Differ from Primary Care
When you visit a pain management doctor, it means that you are seeing someone with high-level experience and training focused specifically on chronic pain. There are big differences between what a pain management doctor can do compared to the services you will receive from a primary care physician.
Pain management specialists have more than nine years of medical training. After completing medical school, their education continues with hands-on training in a field such as neurology, rehabilitation, physical therapy, or anesthesiology.
The pain management specialty is continuing to grow. Many modern medical treatments are being discovered that make this subspeciality more effective than ever.
Pain management is a complex topic, which is why it is essential that you visit with a specialist.
Here are a few ways that a pain management doctor can assist. These services are not available from a primary care doctor:
- Diagnose chronic pain conditions with specialized testing
- Use prescription medications to address unique health conditions
- Recommend and provide alternative treatments, like injections
- Coordinate a full-service care plan, including physical therapy or other holistic solutions
A primary care doctor might be able to offer immediate relief with prescription medication. In comparison, a pain management doctor’s goal is to provide immediate relief as well as treatments that bring lasting results.
Is a Referral Necessary to Schedule a Pain Management Appointment?
When your primary care physician sees a need for specialized services, they can refer you to a local provider. But you don’t need to wait for a referral.
Do I need a referral to make a pain management appointment at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists? We invite you to contact our team directly if you are suffering from chronic pain. There is no need to visit your primary care provider to visit a pain specialist in most situations.
Sometimes, the referral might be necessary because of your insurance coverage. The best thing you can do is talk to your insurance provider for more information about your plan. Or, contact our office for help in navigating the insurance industry.
What Conditions Qualify for Pain Management?
If you are wondering whether you are a good candidate for pain management, then the best thing you can do is schedule a consultation. Our team at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists offers a range of treatment options to help with different types of chronic pain.
Here is a list of some of the most common reasons why patients seek our pain management services:
- Arthritis
- Back pain
- Central Pain Syndrome
- Chemotherapy pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Neck pain
- Neuropathy
- Pinched nerves
This list is not comprehensive. Instead, it’s a brief overview to show how pain management can help with a variety of chronic conditions.
Pain Management Overview: Multiple Lines of Treatment
One of the main benefits of visiting a pain management doctor is that every patient receives a personalized treatment plan. In addition, pain management specialists are trained to approach treatment in a methodical manner, starting with the minimally invasive options first.
We are proactive about identifying a specific diagnosis in the beginning. When our medical team understands the underlying cause of your pain, we can customize the treatment plan to help you achieve optimal results.
Here is an overview of the approach our doctors often use for pain management.
- Minimally Invasive Treatments: First, medications can be helpful to alleviate immediate pain. Examples include anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers, and even anti-depressants. Other treatments might consist of electrical nerve stimulators or other minimally invasive therapies.
- Advanced Procedures: When the pain is continuing, then the treatment plan moves to the next stage of treatment. Examples of these advanced treatments might include radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or injections.
- Severe Pain Management: We continue with the least invasive treatments as much as possible. But sometimes, it’s necessary to move on to the final stage of pain management. Examples of these treatments include regenerative treatments or pain pumps.
Rest assured, knowing that our team at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists always offers a personalized approach. We work hard to build a relationship with each patient. Our goal is to understand your needs and provide lasting solutions to help you live your best life.
Schedule an Appointment with a Pain Specialist
It’s simple to get started with pain management: call us to schedule a consultation. We are here to tell you that you don’t have to continue living with chronic pain. A variety of effective treatments are available to help you overcome the symptoms.
At Kentuckiana Pain Specialists offers care for patients in and around Louisville, Kentucky. Call us today to learn about our comprehensive pain management programs and alternative treatment options: (502) 995-4004.