What is an Interventional Pain Specialist? And Why Do I Need One?

Pain can lower a person’s quality of life. Certain activities become difficult, and a person can suffer mentally. Interventional pain management (IPM) can alleviate pain through various treatments.

Interventional pain specialists are doctors who use different methods to treat each condition. They help rehabilitate and teach patients ways to deal with pain. You can enjoy life with the assistance of an IPM specialist.

When Should You See an Interventional Pain Specialist?

Around 50 million adults have persistent pain. Prevalent places include the lower back, neck, head, and joints. Symptoms do not improve over time in many cases. A specialist may be necessary after three months. Signs that it is time to see a specialist are:

The source remains unknown. Your regular doctor might find it difficult to determine the cause of your continuous pain. A specialist can help find the source and treat it.

• You are unable to participate in specific activities. The pain may dissuade you from wanting to do certain chores or physical activities.
• You had a surgical procedure. Surgeries in areas like the back can have painful side effects. They usually go away after a certain amount of time. If the pain persists, you may need to find an IPM specialist.
• Your doctor may run out of treatment options and refer you to another healthcare provider. Do not hesitate to reach out to a pain specialist.

What Conditions Can They Treat?

IPM doctors have multiple treatment options available for patients. They may use radiofrequency or nerve blocks to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. Other treatments include spinal cord stimulators, joint injections, and facet joint injections. The treatment a patient receives depends on the condition.

An IPM specialist can treat chronic back, neck, and joint pain. You also can see a specialist if you suffer from cancer pain, fibromyalgia, or arthritis. Some doctors help patients who have malignancy or injuries from sports. Each practice may treat different conditions. Talk with the specialist to learn how they can help you.

What Can You Expect From Seeing an IPM Doctor?

When you visit an IPM doctor, you can expect them to ask you questions during a physical exam. The specialist will want to know your symptoms and the intensity of the pain. The discussion also will cover your medical history. You should explain what treatments you have already tried.

You can expect the IPM physician to perform some tests. Multiple conditions can have the same symptoms. Therefore, your physician will try to rule out conditions to find the right one.

Common tests are CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.

The doctor will discuss the available treatments and create a comprehensive plan tailored to you. Treatment services usually are in the same practice. You do not have to worry about finding another facility.

Get Help From Texas Pain Experts

Pain does not always go away after a couple of weeks. IPM doctors can help you manage your chronic pain. Texas Pain Experts has experience treating various conditions. Our specialists can improve your quality of life. To learn more about IPM doctors, fill out the form below.