Chronic pain affects millions of Americans every day. It is one of the leading reasons people miss work and see their doctor. When pain becomes chronic, it can interfere with every aspect of your life. If you struggle to find relief, you may need to see a pain management specialist. A pain management specialist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic pain. Jay M. Shah MD, a New Jersey-based pain doctor, will work with you to develop a treatment plan that includes both medication and lifestyle changes. If you are living with chronic pain, here are a few tips on how to find a pain management specialist.
Talk to your primary care doctor
Your primary care doctor is an excellent resource for finding a pain management specialist. They can give you referrals to doctors in your area who specialize in pain management. They can also tell you about any specialists they have worked with in the past and their experience with them.
Look for a doctor who is certified in pain management
Several different boards certify doctors in pain management. These include the American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Board of Anesthesiology, and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Certification from one of these boards shows that the doctor has undergone special training in pain management and is up-to-date on the latest treatments.
Ask about the doctor’s experience treating your type of pain
When you talk to a potential pain management specialist, ask about their experience treating your specific type of pain. For example, if you have back pain, ask about the doctor’s experience treating this type of pain. You want to be sure that they are familiar with the latest treatment options for your specific kind of pain.
Find out what treatments the doctor offers
When you are living with chronic pain, you want to be sure that the pain management specialist you see offers a variety of treatment options. If one treatment doesn’t work for you, there are plenty of other options to try, from cupping therapy in New York City to acupuncture elsewhere. Ask about the different types of treatments available to you and whether your insurance covers them.
Ask about the side effects of the treatments
Be sure to ask about any treatments the doctor recommends the side effects of any treatments. Some treatments, such as medication, can have serious side effects. You want to be sure that the benefits of the treatment outweigh the risks.
Get a second opinion
Get a second opinion if you are not sure about seeing a particular pain management specialist. This way, you can be sure that you are making the best decision for your health.
Be an active participant in your care
When living with chronic pain, it is vital to be an active participant in your care. This means being involved in decisions about your treatment and asking questions when you don’t understand something. You also need to be honest with your doctor about how the pain affects your life.
In summary, if you live with chronic pain, it is essential to find a pain management specialist who can help you find relief. Be sure to talk to your primary care doctor for referrals and look for a certified doctor in pain management. You should also ask about the doctor’s experience treating your specific type of pain and find out what treatments they offer. Be sure to ask about the side effects of many treatments and get a second opinion if you are unsure about seeing a particular pain management specialist. Finally, be an active participant in your care and be honest with your doctor about how the pain affects your life.
