You may have been wondering, “Can a pain management physician prescribe medication?” You may have been unsure whether or not pain management doctors can prescribe medications to manage your pain. Whether a physician is allowed to prescribe pain medications is a legal question. If you do not understand why a pain management doctor can prescribe certain medications, read on to find out why it is important. It is also important to know that doctors are bound by contract.
The first step in treating pain with prescription medication is to identify the exact type of pain you’re experiencing. While the pain described by the patient can be subjective, it does help guide treatment decisions. Some of the terms used to describe pain suggest that it is neuropathic or nociceptive. Pain management doctors also consider the severity of your pain when prescribing certain medications. The goal of treatment is to make you feel better and decrease your pain symptoms as much as possible.
Will Pain Management Doctors Work With Patient to Figure Out the Cause of Pain
Many people who suffer from chronic pain need a different treatment for their condition than what is offered by a regular pain physician. Pain management doctors will work with patients to figure out what causes the pain and which methods will provide the most relief. They may recommend a pain management clinic or use complementary therapies to help manage pain. Some of these nonsurgical treatments may include acupuncture, dietary changes, chiropractic care, and exercise.
Your pain management doctors may also ask you questions about the nature and location of your discomfort. Some doctors have pictures of faces expressing different pain expressions and will ask you to point to the face that best matches the pain you’re experiencing. You may want to keep a pain diary to document how intense your pain is and to document how it affects your quality of life. A doctor will also want to know whether the pain is related to physical activity or to a health condition.
Explain Your Goals and Symptoms for Treatment
The first time you meet with a pain management doctor, be sure to explain your symptoms and goals for treatment. Tell the doctor that you’re interested in playing golf again or even return to your sport. A supportive family member can help reduce your anxiety and ask questions on your behalf. You can also help the pain management doctor by bringing your family with you so that they can ask questions on your behalf. Besides, it will also be helpful to bring along written lists of medications you’re taking.
Opioids are addictive. Ask your pain management doctors about methods for minimizing the risks associated with using these drugs and how to minimize their side effects and addiction potential. Also be sure to tell them about any medical conditions you have that make you more prone to addiction. For example, if you’re prone to alcoholism, your pain management doctor may recommend alternatives to opioids. Your doctor may recommend nonaddictive pain medications, such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
Specializes in Treating Patients
Pain management doctors specializes in treating patients with chronic pain and other conditions. During his or her training, he or she completes a one-year fellowship focused on the study of pain management. In addition, he or she is board-certified in the specific fields of medicine. After completing his training, pain management doctors specialize in treating chronic pain patients, which may be difficult to diagnose and treat. It may take several months or even years before a patient’s pain is completely eliminated.
There are several important requirements to meet when a physician is prescribing medication for pain management. The only exceptions are post-operative pain and the use of opioids in combination with benzodiazepines. If a patient is pregnant or has a child, a physician must make sure a multidisciplinary plan is developed to treat the pain.
Final Thoughts
While primary care physicians can refer their patients to a pain management doctor, many of these doctors are not comfortable working with certain types of patients. There are often long wait times for these clinics, and they may be unwilling to work with some patients. In the meantime, patients with a chronic pain condition can find help online in the form of online chronic pain communities. For more information on how to get the best care for your pain, visit our website today!
