Your first visit to a pain management doctor may be a little overwhelming and may make you nervous. However, understand your doctor and his/her team are there to help you discover the root of your pain and help you treat it. In order to ease some of this apprehension, it may help to understand the pain management process, what the doctor will do, and how treatment will benefit you.

Your First Pain Management Appointment

During your first pain management appointment, you may be asked to fill out important paperwork about your health, pain location and levels, and family health history. A pain management doctor will review this information and perform a physical examination.

During this examination, you should provide as much information about your health and pain as possible. Things to consider are:

• Past and current treatments
• Prior surgeries or procedures
• Medications you are taking
• Any relevant x-rays or diagnostic images you have
• What makes the pain worse or better

Diagnosis and Tests

To get a better idea of your condition and source of pain, your doctor may order tests. Some tests include:

• MRIs
• CT or CAT scans
• X-rays
• Nerve conduction studies
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Blood tests

Pain Management Treatment Options

Your doctor will use the evaluation and diagnostic tests to create an individualized care plan for you. There are a variety of treatment options for pain - both conventional and alternative. Depending on what your doctor thinks will work best for you, your treatment plan can include one or more of these treatment options:

• Radiofrequency
• Drug therapy
• Trigger point injections
• Physical therapy
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or TENS
• Targeted exercise
• Mind-body therapy
• Massage
• Dietary approaches
• Bioelectric therapy
• Acupuncture
• Biofeedback
• Hypnotherapy
• Chiropractic care
• Aromatherapy
• Relaxation therapy

Throughout your treatment process and return visits, your doctor will continue to evaluate your progress and provide new treatment plans as necessary. Remember, pain management is a process. It will mostly likely change over the course of your treatment.

If you are in need of a Las Vegas pain management doctor, contact Apex Medical Center. We’re here to help you find the pain relief you deserve.  

*Image courtesy of jannoon028 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net