What Is A Pain Clinic?

The term pain clinic is often misunderstood. On the surface, it implies a location that encourages and causes pain. This is, of course, not the case. The term pain clinic is a short term for pain management facilities which is a more accurate description of the type of services these places provide.

These types of facilities specialize in helping people deal with pain. Pain, especially chronic pain, cannot often be prevented. But the severity of the pain and the intensity of the outbreaks can be managed if not completely eliminated.

These types of places are staffed with people who have special training in pain management. They are experts at diagnosing pain and treating it. A healthcare team at a pain clinic could include neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, neurologists, specialized nurses, and support staff. Some places have psychiatrists and psychiatrists. Pain can have a significant negative impact on a person to the point that the person is very suicidal and doesn't want to live anymore. It’s important to deal with the mind and the whole body when effectively treating pain.

Physiatrists: They’re often confused with psychiatrists only because of the spelling. But this field of medicine is significantly different than the type that deals with the mind. Physiatrists are doctors who specialize in physical medicine. They deal with the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of disease through physical means as opposed to medicinal needs. This include manipulation, massage and exercise.

Anesthesiologists: Generally known by the public as individuals who administer drugs to knock out a person during surgery, anesthesiologists actually do much more. They’re often the leaders of a team of specialists when it comes to pain management. They can include a variety of health professionals with additional treatment in other fields like orthopedists (doctors that deal with disorders of the skeletal system and bones). It can include physician assistants, nurse practitioners and rehabilitation therapists.

Neurologists: These are doctors who diagnose and treat diseases of the nervous system. The nervous system has a significant impact on the way a person feels and responds to pain.

Neurosurgeons: These are doctors that operate or perform surgery on the nervous system.

While these members of the health care team are generally highly professional and extremely skilled at what they do, it’s important to note that not all are equal in their skill and ability to care for a patient. Sometimes the issue is simply the way the physician deals with the patient that makes their experience an unpleasant one.

To reduce either having a poor doctor or one you have a personality conflict with, it’s important to make sure you do your homework and choose the best doctor and pain clinic for you. Find a clinic that has a good reputation in the community. Meet with the physician and see if he or she encourages you to ask questions and is willing to listen to what you have to say. Make sure the doctor you choose is knowledgeable about the latest pain treatment on the market.