Chronic pain remains a big problem for a big part of the American population. Especially patients with cancer, osteoporosis, or non-cancer chronic pain are confronted with the issue of chronic pain. This chronic pain often needs adequate treatment. There are different types of drugs available to treat this kind of pain: simple analgesics and opioids. However, these drugs pose a danger for the patient and society due to their addictive properties and harmful side effects. That is where a pain management specialist comes in.
Like other pain management specialists, Dr. Mahan Ostadian specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic pain-related diseases like cancer, arthritis, and sciatica. But how do you know it’s time for you to see a specialist? Read on to find out.
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When Conservative Treatments Do Not Work
First of all, it is essential to know that if your doctor recommends a pain management specialist, this does not mean he thinks you are malingering. Suppose conservative treatments such as simple analgesics and physical therapy don’t work after six months or more. In that case, your doctor might recommend further medical treatment to combat the said chronic pain effectively. In any case, pain management specialists will always try to avoid prescribing potent opioids since these substances have a very high abuse potential and can even lead to overdose if not administered correctly.
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Your Primary Care Physician Cannot Identify the Cause of Your Pain
If your doctor suspects a disease such as sciatica, he will refer you to a pain management specialist instead of treating it himself since this condition requires clinical knowledge. The same goes for the treatment of back pain in specific. Chronic pain may be caused by various problems such as arthritis, cancer, and sciatica, which are hard to diagnose. It is important to remember that those who suffer from chronic pain need Marvel Medical Nerang treatment for this kind of pain.
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You Have Chronic Pain for No Reason
Remember that you do not always need a reason to see a pain management specialist in chronic pain. The aim is to effectively combat the problem associated with this form of pain rather than finding an instant cure. Your primary care physician may refer you to a specialist if he thinks it might be helpful.
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You Have a Doctor’s Referral
Your doctor may have referred you to see a pain management specialist if your doctor thinks you need such treatment. He will not refer you if he thinks you are malingering or trying to get drugs from him, so this does not mean that he believes it. In some cases, chronic pain can be caused by problems such as arthritis and osteoporosis, where pain management specialists can be helpful.
Ask your doctor for a referral if you want to see a specialist. If they refuse, it might be time to find another physician who recognizes this problem and its gravity.
In summary, chronic pain is a huge problem, but you can get treatment from a pain management specialist. You may need to see one if you experience pain for no apparent reason or if your doctor cannot find the cause of the pain. You should also schedule an appointment with a pain management specialist if you have a doctor’s referral or if conventional treatments do not work.