What To Expect at Your First Visit to a Pain Management Clinic

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What To Expect at Your First Visit to a Pain Management Clinic

Chronic pain can greatly affect the quality of your life. Visiting a pain management clinic helps you discover the source of your pain and start treatment. Pain management specialists can recommend treatment procedures like nerve blocks and therapies or prescribe medication depending on your condition. Some conditions they treat include:

  • Soft tissue injury
  • Nerve pain
  • Injuries resulting in tissue and nerve damage

Upon visiting a pain management specialist, here’s what you can expect at your first pain management appointment:

Check-in

Like other doctor’s offices, you have to check in before your appointment. Check-ins help the doctor’s office collect information about you to facilitate record-keeping. Patient information will also set the foundation for future visits with the specialists.

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When heading in for your pre-set appointment, consider arriving an hour early. This allows you enough time to complete any paperwork before heading into the examination room. The front office staff at the doctor’s office will guide you in filling out the paperwork for a smooth experience. They will also inform you of any documents or other items you need to bring for your doctor’s visit.

Medical History

The pain management specialist will gather facts about your case during your appointment. They may start by asking why you are there, what areas you feel pain in, the type of pain, and your expectations of the treatment process. Such information helps you and your pain management doctor to remain on the same page throughout treatment.

While gathering information, your doctor will evaluate your medical history, including details about the following:

  • General health issues
  • Allergies
  • Past surgery procedures you have undergone
  • Any medication you are currently taking or have taken in the past

A patient’s medical history influences the diagnosis and treatment path your doctor might take.

Physical Exam

Once the pain management specialist reviews your medical history, they will likely perform a physical exam. Physical examinations often start with standard checks like weight, heart rate (pulse), and blood pressure. This can help rule out certain illnesses that may be causing your pain and determine if you need specialized treatment.

To help identify any problems, pain management specialists may palpate the area of discomfort to check for swelling or dislocation. They may also conduct additional tests, if necessary, including:

  • MRI scans
  • CT scans
  • Ultrasounds
  • X-rays

Physical exams form the basis of your treatment procedure since they help experts identify existing concerns. Specialists can help uncover underlying illnesses through an in-depth examination and chart the right treatment plan.

Doctor Recommendations

Depending on the outcome of your physical exam and medical history, your specialist will develop a treatment plan. They will likely address the cause of your pain, how to manage it, and discuss the health outcomes of each option. Treatment plan specifics include a personalized approach for pain relief and the length of your treatment plan.

Pain management specialists can answer questions about the treatment plan and your overall health. Since they have expert knowledge in the area, come to the specialist’s appointment with a list of any questions and concerns you might have. They can help you understand your condition for an easier time achieving pain relief.

Follow-up Sessions

While your specialist will likely develop a comprehensive treatment plan for chronic pain on your first visit, they may insist on follow-up sessions. Subsequent visits help evaluate how well your current treatment plan is working. Depending on how your body responds to the treatment, they can change and adapt the plan as needed.

Pain management experts may book a follow-up visit for you during your initial appointment. You can call to make an earlier appointment if you develop complications during your treatment.

Visit a Pain Management Clinic

Chronic pain can make it difficult to go about your daily life. Seeking out treatment options by consulting with pain management specialists may lead to a happier, healthier life. Visit a pain management clinic to enjoy a comprehensive medical examination and professional treatment.

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