The Pain Management Specialist, Who, What and Where
The who, what and where of the Pain Management Specialist begins with looking at who they are. WebMD puts it this way, “What do they treat? Many distinct types of pain, including pain that’s caused by surgery, injury, nerve damage, and conditions like diabetes. They also treat pain that doesn’t have a clear cause. They use medications given by mouth or targeted injections.”
More specifically Pain Management Specialists have an arsenal of weapons in the armory to fight the battle with pain. Every Pain Management Doctor has a different approach according to their training, philosophy, and the needs of the individual patient. Just as no two people are alike, no two pains are alike.
Pain Management is a specialty which is studied after a general residency like other advanced medical specialties. Pain Management Specialists can also pursue a second area of expertise such as cancer, arthritis, anesthesia, or pharmacology. Each additional Specialty or Certification that a physician pursues adds to their time spent in medical schools and residencies.
What Do Pain Management Doctors do?
Pain Management begins with a diagnosis. The Pain Management Physician will use a firsthand examination, an interview with the patient and medical records to determine how best to manage the chronic pain. As touched on above the Pain Management Physician will choose the weapon that they feel will be most beneficial to fighting the pain of the individual patient. It could include:
The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM), is a professional organization with a mission to “advancing multidisciplinary pain care, education, advocacy, and research to improve the quality of life for our members and those they treat.” They are a clearing house for information that keeps pain management doctors and physicians up to date by collecting and disseminating the latest data, research, and clinical trials on pain relief efforts around the world.
Where Are Pain Management Doctors?
Patients seek out the best physicians in their fields because they trust that continue to stay abreast of the best and latest treatments. An often-overlooked specialist by patients with chronic conditions is a Pain Management Specialist.
A Pain Management Specialist can work in conjunction with doctors to relieve the pain while diseases, infections and other maladies remain the concentration of the attending physician.
Insurance company regulations might require a referral from a PCP or other treating physician when seeking the services of a Pain Management Specialist. Even in this case, the patient should do the research to find a well rated, by both the medical community and patients, and a Pain Management Center that is easily accessible. Patients can request a referral to the Pain Management Specialist of their choosing.
Maryland Pain and Wellness Center
With a motto of “Restoring Hope. Rebuilding Lives,” Maryland Pain and Wellness Center, guided by its Founder, Henry Achampong, MD, MS offers individualized pain management treatment options in ten locations throughout the State. Patients can request an appointment at Maryland Pain and Wellness Centers in these locations; Delmar, Crisfield, Princess Ann, Pocomoke, Berlin, Ocean City, Cambridge, Easton Crofton, Prince Frederick, and Salisbury. Find hope for your pain today, contact a center near you.
