Pain management specialists like Brian Blick MD are doctors who understand the medical procedures and techniques used to diagnose and treat chronic pain. They must complete an accredited training program to qualify for licensure. Read on to learn more about the importance of consulting pain management specialists.
You Can Get A Proper Diagnosis Regarding Your Situation
A pain management specialist is trained to diagnose and treat pain, so they can help you figure out what is causing your symptoms. They’ll also be able to provide you with the best treatment plan for your specific problem. If you don’t get the right diagnosis, you may spend years being treated for something that isn’t causing your pain.
According to Dr. Brian Blick, a good doctor will take time to ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and habits before making a diagnosis. They should also give their opinion about what might be causing the problem and how best to treat it, and they should explain why they think this is happening in your body (and not another).
Consult A Pain Management Specialist If You Have Pain That Isn’t Going Away
If your physical pain is not going away, you should consult a pain specialist. If someone has been experiencing chronic or persistent pain for over six months without relief from any other therapies and treatments (including medication), they are likely suffering from what’s called fibromyalgia (or “fibro”).
This physical condition causes widespread muscle tenderness throughout the body that can lead to severe fatigue and even depression. And there isn’t really any cure currently available, except physical therapy or massage therapy sessions every few weeks until symptoms start fading away again on their own over time.
Your Pain Management Doctor Will Look At Your Medical History And Do Examinations
When you come in for a consultation, your pain management specialist will look at your medical history and do an examination. Your specialist may ask about the onset of your pain and how often it occurs. They’ll also want to know if there are any other symptoms associated with the pain, such as numbness or tingling.
Aside from that, says Brian Blick MD, your doctor will perform a physical exam that includes checking the range of motion (ROM) in your joints by moving them through their full range of motion; palpating (pressing on) muscles around joints, and testing reflexes to determine whether nerve damage has occurred in the painful area.
If there is no obvious cause for why you have chronic back pain, they may order imaging tests like x-rays or CT scans, so that they can rule out other possible causes like tumors or fractures before determining whether medical treatment is warranted.
You May Be Asked About Your Health History, Medications, Lifestyle, And Habits
If you have a medical condition or are taking medication for a specific ailment, it’s important to let the pain management specialist know this information at the beginning of your appointment. This will help them better understand how to treat your pain so that it does not interfere with other conditions or medications.
Other than that, your pain management specialist may also ask about your lifestyle, habits, and exercise routine to treat your physical pain. This is because some types of habits and physical activities can cause or worsen back pain.
A Physical Exam Will Help Determine The Cause And Severity Of The Pain
A physical exam conducted by the pain management specialist will help determine the cause of the pain and how severe it is. The doctor will also perform a neurological exam to assess your nervous system, which controls body functions such as movement and sensation. This can help determine whether you have nerve damage from diabetes or another condition that has caused peripheral neuropathy.
Imaging Tests Like X-Rays Or CT Scans May Be Ordered If There’s Concern About Bone Problems
In some cases, Brian Blick MD explains, imaging tests like x-rays or CT scans may be ordered by the pain management specialist if there’s concern about bone problems or other serious issues causing pain. X-rays can show if there is a fracture or other bone problems. CT scans can show if there is a herniated disc or other problems.
MRI scans can show if there is a degenerative spine disorder that might need treatment with injections of steroids into the spinal canal (epidural steroid injections), which helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain for up to three months in some people who have chronic back pain.
Get In Touch With A Pain Specialist If You Suffer From Chronic Back Pain
If you are having trouble with chronic back pain, neck pain, or any other type of musculoskeletal problem, then you must get in touch with a pain management specialist who can give you more information about where the pain might be coming from and how it can best be treated.
A pain management specialist can help you understand your symptoms and find the best treatment plan. These doctors will also assist with diagnosis and exams that may be necessary to rule out serious conditions like cancer or infection.
You’ll Need Some Form Of Therapy Like Chiropractic Care Or Massage Therapy
If nothing shows up on the imaging tests needed by your pain management specialist, then you’ll most likely need some form of therapy like chiropractic care or massage therapy to help relieve your symptoms. The good news is that there are several types of therapies available for back pain.
Consulting With Pain Management Specialists Can Help You Get Better Quickly
Consulting with a pain management specialist is an important step in the process of getting better. The benefits of consulting with a pain management specialist include getting a correct diagnosis, following your doctor’s treatment plan, and finding the right treatment for your chronic pain. So if you are suffering from any type of physical pain, consult the most reliable pain management specialist now!
Dr Brian Blick is a licensed pain management physician from Elk, Oklahoma. A renowned specialist in pain management and medicine, he has helped many people achieve their pain management goals and relieve them of various pain types since 2017. He is currently the founder of Western Oklahoma Pain Specialists, LLC, as well as the Chief of Anesthesia at Great Plains Regional Medical Center.