Seeing a new doctor for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially if you aren’t sure what to expect. And, if you are experiencing chronic pain, the stress of not knowing what to expect can actually cause your pain to flare up.
At Oklahoma Interventional Spine & Pain, we’re in the business of treating pain, not causing it. That’s why we’ve put together a full guide to what to expect from a pain management doctor. Let’s review what your first visit with a pain management doctor in Tulsa might look like so you can stay as comfortable as possible until the big day.
What Is a Pain Management Doctor?
A pain management doctor specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing chronic pain conditions. These specialists are often board-certified in anesthesiology, physical rehabilitation, or neurology, with additional fellowship training in pain medicine. In total, it takes about 11 years of schooling to be a pain management doctor.
Pain management doctors treat all kinds of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, and nerve pain (such as sciatica). They can also treat acute pain, such as pain from a surgical procedure or accident.
What sets pain management doctors apart is their advanced training and specialized techniques. General physicians may treat pain with basic medication or temporary solutions, but pain specialists focus on effectively reducing pain while finding and treating the root cause.
What Is Chronic Pain?
There are two main types of pain that a pain management doctor treats: chronic pain and acute pain. Chronic pain is persistent pain that lasts for weeks, months, or even years, often continuing even after the initial injury or illness has healed. Meanwhile, acute pain is a short-term response to injury or illness that typically resolves as the body heals.
Chronic pain can occur anywhere in the body, such as with back pain, migraines, joint pain, or nerve pain. For example, someone with arthritis may experience constant joint discomfort, while a person with fibromyalgia might endure widespread muscle pain accompanied by fatigue.
Chronic pain is frequently caused by underlying health conditions. Common causes of chronic pain include autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, nerve damage from conditions such as diabetes, or even untreated injuries that lead to long-term complications.
What To Expect From Your Pain Management Doctor
The list of what to expect from a pain management doctor varies; every pain management visit is likely to be a little different since the exact details will change depending on the type of pain you’re experiencing.
However, there are a few things that tend to pop up reliably:
1. Patient History Questions
During your first pain management appointment, your doctor will ask detailed questions to understand your medical history and the nature of your pain. These questions ultimately contribute to their treatment plan for your pain.
Questions you may be asked include:
- When did your pain start? (For instance, after an injury or gradually over time).
- Where is your pain located? (Specific areas or generalized).
- How would you describe the pain? (Sharp, dull, burning, throbbing).
- What makes the pain better or worse? (For instance, activity, rest, certain positions).
- Have you tried any treatments? (Medications, physical therapy, or home remedies).
- Do you have other medical conditions? (For instance, diabetes or arthritis).
2. Diagnostic Approaches
Diagnosing chronic pain may take a combination of methods. For instance, a physical examination can help your doctor assess mobility, pain triggers, and overall functionality.
Meanwhile, diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, reveals structural issues like herniated discs or joint degeneration. Nerve conduction studies evaluate nerve function, while lab tests may check for underlying issues like inflammation or autoimmune disorders.
3. Treatment Plans
Perhaps what people are most concerned about when talking about what to expect from a pain management doctor is when they can get started with treatment.
In this step, a doctor can create a treatment plan tailored to your unique goals, needs, and medical history. This plan may change depending on whether your goal is to regain mobility, reduce reliance on medication, or improve overall quality of life.
They’ll also review your medical records, including past treatments, to determine what has been effective or ineffective in the past. Based on this information, doctors combine one or more therapy options.
Treatment plans evolve over time, so you won’t always be taking the same approach. This helps make sure the treatments always align with your progress and priorities.
4. Complementary Therapies
Pain management specialists often incorporate complementary therapies to provide a holistic approach to chronic pain. For instance, acupuncture can help alleviate pain by stimulating nerves and releasing endorphins. Meanwhile, physical therapy focuses on improving strength, flexibility, and mobility to reduce pain and prevent further injury.
Chiropractic care can also target spinal alignment to relieve musculoskeletal pain, while a nutritionist may assist in developing anti-inflammatory diets, which can positively impact chronic conditions. Mental health counseling may also be recommended to address the emotional impact of pain and improve coping strategies.
5. Follow-Up Care
Finally, your pain management doctor monitors your plan to make sure it continues to work. Expect regular check-ins to evaluate your pain levels, the effectiveness of current treatments, and any side effects.
During these visits, it’s important to communicate changes in pain intensity, triggers, or new symptoms so your doctor can make necessary adjustments. Staying honest can help your doctor tailor your treatment plan to your needs as they change.
How To Prepare for Your First Appointment
The first thing to do before your appointment is to take a deep breath. Meeting with a new provider can be overwhelming, but if you know how to find the best pain management doctor, then you’re already in the right place.
Next, bring key documents, including your medical history, imaging results (like X-rays or MRIs), a list of current medications, and any previous treatment records. A pain journal can be particularly helpful as well. In your journal, describe the type, frequency, intensity, and triggers of your pain.
During the consultation, honesty and thoroughness are key. Clearly describe your pain, including how it affects your daily life. Be open about any past treatments and their results, as well as your lifestyle habits, such as diet, exercise, and stress levels. If you’ve used over-the-counter remedies or alternative therapies, share that as well.
What Types of Treatments Are Available for Chronic Pain?
Depending on the type of pain you’re having and what’s causing it, your doctor might recommend a few different treatments. To find the best fit, a doctor looks at your diagnosis, lifestyle, and the severity of your pain.
Your plan may include a combination of therapies to address both the physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain. Read on for a full breakdown of the different interventions your plan might include:
Medication Management
Your pain management doctors may start by prescribing and monitoring medications. Commonly used medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antidepressants, and anticonvulsants, which are particularly effective for nerve-related pain. Opioids should be prescribed with great caution as they have powerful addictive properties.
In some cases, topical medications or muscle relaxants may also be recommended. No matter what medication you’re taking, your doctor will use follow-ups to make sure your dose is adjusted to remain effective and safe over time.
Non-Surgical Interventions
Non-invasive treatments are often used alongside medications to provide maximum relief. For instance, physical therapy and customized exercise plans improve strength and mobility, which can lower pain in some cases.
Meanwhile, interventional procedures, such as nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, or trigger point injections, can provide relief by addressing specific sources of pain. Just remember that these procedures are often temporary, which means patients need to repeat them every so often to maintain comfort levels.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
For patients who don’t respond to non-surgical interventions, a pain management doctor may recommend minimally invasive options like radiofrequency ablation or spinal cord stimulation. These procedures block pain signals at their source and can offer a more lengthy reprieve from your pain.
Does Insurance Cover Pain Management?
Insurance often covers chronic pain management, but the extent of your coverage will vary by provider and plan. Commonly covered treatments include medications, physical therapy, and minimally invasive procedures like nerve blocks or spinal cord stimulation. However, alternative therapies like acupuncture may not always be included.
To check your coverage, look over your insurance policy or contact your provider. Pay attention to details like co-pays, deductibles, and any limits on specific treatments. For example, an epidural injection may require a co-pay, while long-term physical therapy might have session limits.
Many plans also require preauthorization for certain treatments, meaning you’ll need approval before the procedure if you want it to be covered. You should also find out whether your doctor is considered in or out-of-network. To find out which doctors are in-network, call your insurance provider and ask about pain management doctors in Bartlesville.
If you’re using workers’ compensation instead of regular insurance, the process is a bit different. Workers’ comp specifically covers work-related injuries or illnesses, including chronic pain, and coverage includes necessary treatments and wage replacement benefits. Unlike standard insurance, workers’ comp typically comes with fewer out-of-pocket costs but is limited to workplace-related conditions.
Final Thoughts: What To Expect from a Pain Management Doctor
Pain management is an incredibly complex field of medicine with one main goal: to treat patients’ pain and help them regain their quality of life. During your first visit, your pain management doctor will ask some questions about your pain, discuss diagnostic approaches and treatment plans, suggest complementary therapies, and initiate follow-up care.
At Oklahoma Interventional Spine & Pain, we know how important it is to have a doctor you can trust. From your first visit with one of our pain management doctors in Stillwater to your last follow-up appointment, we’re here to help you feel comfortable every step of the way. Call us today to schedule your first visit.
Sources:
Pain | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
What Causes Chronic Pain? | WebMD
Does Medicare cover pain management? Types, options and exclusions | Medical News Today