Living with chronic pain can affect just about every aspect of your daily life. It can interfere with work, relationships, family time, hobbies, and even simple acts like standing, walking, or sleeping. It can be difficult to think about anything else, and many patients get to the point of believing this is just their new normal.
Thankfully, there’s hope for most chronic pain sufferers. If you need help finding a pain specialist near you, we’ve got answers. Read more to learn about pain management specialists and what to expect when you visit one.
What Is a Pain Specialist?
When it comes to chronic pain — consistent or recurring pain that lasts three months or longer — using only over-the-counter medications or not addressing the source of the pain may not be enough to reduce your suffering … and can actually cause more problems. A pain management specialist can diagnose the underlying cause of pain and create a personalized treatment plan.
A pain management specialist receives medical training to provide adequate care for chronic pain patients. Here’s what you can expect from a qualified specialist:
- They have an understanding of how pain affects the whole body
- They work in cooperation with your primary care physician
- They thoroughly evaluate each patient’s condition and listen carefully to their pain story
- They understand and use specialized tests for diagnosing painful conditions
- They can prescribe medications if needed
- They can perform procedures (such as nerve blocks, injections, and ablations)
- They follow up to assess your condition after treatment
During your first visit to a pain specialist near you, here’s what you can expect to happen:
- The care provider will ask you questions about your condition to understand the severity and duration of your pain
- They will review your medical history, including any medications you have taken to address the pain
- They will do a physical examination of your body, paying careful attention to the area of pain
- If needed, they may perform or request a diagnostic test such as an MRI or X-ray
Once the specialist has determined the true source of your pain, they will create a treatment plan that may include some combination of medication, physical therapy, alternative therapies, or minimally invasive procedures such as nerve blocks, corticosteroid injections, or radiofrequency ablations.
Let EARH Be Your “Pain Specialist Near Me”
Managing your pain is just an appointment away in Ritzville, Washington. East Adams Rural Healthcare can design an effective pain management plan that can act as a blueprint to maintain your physical and mental health, giving you the confidence and hope that relief is possible.
Treating pain is never a one-size-fits-all approach at East Adams Rural Healthcare. We partner with HPM to create an individualized plan to help reduce your pain, improve your body’s function, enhance your emotional and mental health, and give you your life back. Our goal is to find a strategy that works for you long term.
Your search for a “pain specialist near me” starts and ends with East Adams Rural Healthcare. Whether you’ve been suffering through pain for a few months or ten years, contact us to schedule an evaluation today. We are dedicated to the well-being of our community by offering comprehensive, convenient, and personalized care for all ages.
Make an appointment today.
