Which Pain Doctor Should You Choose for Your Condition?

Have you been dealing with chronic pain?

Around 50 million adults in the US suffer from chronic pain, which is about 20 percent of the adult population. Luckily, if you’re suffering from chronic pain, there are different doctors you can see to help you with pain management.

But, what type of pain doctor should you see?

Check out this guide to discover how to choose the right pain doctor for your condition.

1. Pain Medicine Specialist

Pain medicine specialists are doctors who treat a wide variety of pain caused by injury, surgery, nerve damage, or conditions such as diabetes. These doctors also treat pain that doesn’t have a clear cause.

Typically, to treat pain, a pain medicine specialist while either prescribe you medications or give you targeted injections. To find a pain medicine specialist in your area, you can go to the American Academy of Pain Medicine’s website.

2. Orthopedic Specialist/Surgeon

Orthopedic specialists and surgeons treat injuries and diseases that affect your musculoskeletal system. This system comprises of your joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.

Many of these doctors specialize in certain body parts such as knees, hips, and shoulders. Once an orthopedic specialist diagnoses your disorder or injury, they’ll then create a treatment plan that includes medicine and exercises based on restorative movement. Orthopedic specialists are also trained as surgeons, so if surgery is necessary, they can perform it.

3. Rheumatologist

If you’re suffering from a rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, or gout, then you should see a rheumatologist.

These diseases can cause swelling, pain, and stfifness in your muscles, joints, and bones. To treat these issues, rheumatologists will prescribe treatment plans that include medications as well as pain-blocking or anti-inflammatory injections.

4. Osteopathic Doctor

Osteopathic doctors are one step above regular medical doctors in that they receive extra training in the musculoskeletal system. In addition to having an MD after their name, an osteopathic doctor will also have a DO after their name.

Osteopathic doctors treat pain in the muscles, joints, and spine. They can help treat back pain, arthritis, headaches, digestive issues, tennis elbow, and postural problems. You can find an osteopathic doctor in your area through the American Osteopathic Association.

5. Physical/Occupational Therapists

Physical and occupational therapists are medical professionals who work with those trying to recover from injury or surgery.

They may use techniques that involve stretching, massage, ice, heat, and exercise in order to ease your pain and increase your mobility. Typically, these therapists carry out orders given by physiatrists.

6. Chiropractors

Most people see chiropractors for back pain. However, chiropractors can help treat all kinds of chronic pain conditions resulting from injury, accident, or medical condition.

While chiropractors can’t prescribe medicine (as they don’t hold MDs), they do use hands-on techniques to offer pain relief.

Are You Ready to See a Pain Doctor?

Now that you know about who to see for your pain, it’s time to choose the right pain doctor for you. Pretty soon, your pain will be a thing of the past.

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