Pain is not just a symptom. Sometimes, it is a condition. Many people in Charlotte, NC, struggle with it. Luckily, there are plenty of specialists in the area. They can take a close look at your situation to determine the cause of your pain and the best ways to treat it. Here are a few critical questions for your pain management specialist in Charlotte, NC.
- How Much Training Do You Have?
Find out if your pain management specialist is qualified for the job. Successful treatment demands the attention of an experienced and certified physician. They must be able to make sound medical decisions and administer treatments that require rigorous training.
Although physicians may be licensed to handle all branches of medicine, your best options are those with training in physiatry or anesthesiology. Ensure that your physician specializes in pain.
- Can You Identify the Main Source of My Pain?
You want to be sure that your physician identifies the main cause of pain and not just masking your symptoms. Addressing the underlying cause of the problem reduces the need for constant medication and keeps the issue from recurring. It can eliminate the need for surgery.
- Will I Become Dependent or Addicted to My Pain Medication?
In most cases, your dose of pain medication reduces as you continue treatment. If you have a history of addiction, your specialist may keep you away from potentially addictive pain medication. There are many classes of pain medication, and your specialist should help you choose the best ones for your needs. They may include muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory drugs. You don’t need to rely on opiate narcotics.
- Do You Have Specialized Equipment, and Where Do You Perform Treatments?
Find out if your pain specialist has specialized equipment for different types of pain treatments. Effective treatments call for precision and safety. Things can go wrong if a physician doesn’t have the proper equipment. With image-guided procedures like ultrasound and fluoroscopy, proficiency is essential. All pain management treatments need to be performed in dedicated facilities that uphold the best standards.
- Do You Have a Backup Plan If Your Approach Doesn’t Work?
While you want your specialist’s diagnostic and treatment plans to work, you need assurance that they have a plan to handle any unexpected issues that may crop up. The best pain physicians create comprehensive plans. They have a plan for all possibilities.
Treating pain can get complicated. If a physician only has one plan, they may not be your best option. Depending on the complexity of your case, they may need to bring in physicians from different fields of medicine. Your pain specialist should be open to coordinating a multispecialty approach for optimum results.
With the proper treatment, all types of pain can be treated. The secret is to work with the right pain management specialist and ask the right questions. On your appointment date, prepare a list of essential questions and present it to your doctor. It gives you a sense of confidence and lets you know what to expect.