Physical pain isn’t only uncomfortable and inconvenient but can also take a toll on your ability to manage many activities throughout the day. If you are living with chronic pain, you are likely searching for answers: how can you alleviate the pain right now and in the future?
The treatment approach for pain management varies, depending on the type of doctor you choose to visit. While a primary care physician can offer general pain relief through medications, it’s a good idea to consult with a pain management specialist who has the experience to get to the root of the problem.
One important thing that patients need to understand is the difference between pain medication and pain management. Even though these phrases sound similar, they are unique methods for handling pain.
Pain Management Vs. Pain Medicine: Differences Every Patient Needs to Know
Education is a valuable resource to optimize the results you can achieve through your pain management journey. Here are a few notable differences that you should understand when looking for a pain management doctor and implementing treatments:
Focus and Goal of the Treatment
When working with a pain management specialist, the goal is to use modern treatments and holistic solutions to alleviate the pain. There are a variety of solutions that can reduce the intensity of pain or even eliminate it completely. The process is done by addressing the root cause of the condition.
The focus of pain management is two-fold. First, your doctor works to reduce your pain right now while setting the ideal conditions to improve your long-term results.
In comparison, pain medicine is a fast way to alleviate immediate pain, but it’s only a “quick fix.” The pills might reduce symptoms, but they offer no benefits for long-term results. Pain medications can be effective for short, acute injuries. But they aren’t the solution for chronic pain conditions.
Treatment Methods Used
Pain medication is simple: popping a pill that blocks the pain sensations that you are experiencing. These medications are available over-the-counter, or the doctor might prescribe stronger pain medication in a prescription. Ongoing use of medication is the treatment, without an end in sight.
On the other hand, multiple treatments are used in a comprehensive pain management plan. The doctor starts by understanding the root cause, then offers different physical treatments, therapies, and alternative remedies that address the foundational issues.
Timeframe of Treatment
Using pain medication can be a way to find immediate relief. But the results only last for a few hours. Once the medication wears off, you will be in pain again and need to take more medicine if you want to live pain-free.
Medication can provide fast and effective results. But there are concerns about long-term usage, mainly if a patient develops a dependence or addiction to the drug. Additionally, other complications can arise from continued use of pain medication, such as liver damage and other health problems.
Another problem with the timeframe of using pain medication is that patients sometimes develop a tolerance to the medication. For example, you might notice that the same dosage isn’t producing the results you had in the past. So, it’s necessary to increase the dosage or frequency to alleviate the pain – and this process continues indefinitely.
When the pain is persistent and lasts more than three months, it is categorized as a chronic condition. Some patients with chronic pain can get short-term relief with medications. But these prescriptions aren’t recommended for ongoing treatment.
Successful, long-term pain relief is possible when working with a pain management doctor. Through a personalized treatment plan, we can find the solutions that are ideal for your unique needs.
Follow-Up Treatments
Since pain medications only offer temporary results, it’s common for patients to need follow-up treatments in the future. For example, a structural issue causing back pain can only be managed with medication for so long before the patient needs physical therapy or even surgery.
The pain management approach is different because the focus is on using medication for immediate results, allowing the patient to participate in other treatments that bring long-term effects.
Pain management often involves multiple disciplines, giving the patient a full-service, holistic approach. Not only do these treatments help reduce pain, but they can also be beneficial for improving physical function and optimizing lifestyle as much as possible.
Side Effects from Treatments
Many pain medications have side effects, and the more potent drugs can result in serious complications. Common side effects include addiction, dizziness, nausea, sweating, and depression – to name a few.
On the other hand, pain management is a group of treatments that can help reduce the need to use pain medications. Potential side effects are minimal, but they vary depending on the specific treatments you receive as part of your personalized pain management plan.
Surgery Prevention
The use of medication alone isn’t enough to reduce the need for surgery. Instead, pain medications are often a short-term treatment to help a patient cope until they are recovered from surgery.
But pain management is a method that can be used to reduce the need for surgery. You can work with a pain management expert to try different solutions, which allows you to enjoy life to the fullest and hopefully avoid going under the knife.
Pain Management Specialist: Treatments Beyond General Medicine
While a primary care physician can be a great resource for minor illnesses and injuries, you will usually be referred to a specialist when a more serious chronic condition occurs. A general doctor doesn’t have the experience or training to know the ideal methods for managing chronic pain.
A pain management specialist can be a great resource if you need support with a chronic condition. This full-service process includes a thorough diagnosis to get to the root of the problem. In addition, we have different types of testing and technology to understand what is happening within the body.
Once the diagnosis is determined, it’s time to design your personalized treatment plan. Pain management doctors offer a variety of options to ensure quality results for every one of their patients.
Schedule a Pain Management Consultation
The good news is that there is hope for relief from your chronic pain. If you are looking for answers, then we invite you to reach out to our team at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists.
Our pain management doctors use a comprehensive approach to pain management, including alternative treatments that aren’t available from general doctors. We are conveniently located in the Louisville, Kentucky, area. Call our office for more information. You can reach us at (502) 995-4004.