What to Expect During Your First Visit to a Pain Management Specialist
Understandably, your first visit to a pain management specialist can be a bit stressful, especially when you’re already dealing with the anxiety of chronic pain. Fortunately, an experienced pain management practice like Resolute Pain Solutions is the right place for you. We’ll provide you with the care, support and guidance you need to get you back to the things you love and to improve your quality of life. To make the experience less stressful, we’d like to share some information with you on what to expect during your first visit.
Paperwork Regarding Your Medical Background and Present Symptoms
Your initial appointment with the pain management physician will begin by getting as complete a medical background as possible using the new patient paperwork you will be asked to fill out. Be prepared to share information regarding previous surgeries, allergies, family history and current medications. You will also complete paperwork regarding the nature of your problem, including such details as when the pain first started as well as what the cause may be. It’s important to be thorough so that your pain management specialist can form a clear understanding of your health history and how it correlates to your pain.
Physical Exam to Help Us Understand Your Pain
Once the necessary background information has been gathered, you will receive a physical exam focusing on your area of pain. Pain management specialists are extremely mindful of your discomfort, which is why they are especially thorough and careful during the initial consultation and exam. The specialist will also assess your general physical condition as well as any contributing medical issues related to your pain. If you have or can access records and imaging results from a previous physician, be sure to have them faxed over to us ahead of time or bring them in with you. The specialist can then review these records and get a more thorough idea of your condition.
One-on-One Discussion with Your Pain Management Specialist
The remainder of your appointment will be spent discussing the pain you are having — and, more specifically, at what time(s) it gets worse — as well as what factors bring it on or tend to aggravate it and how it interferes with your day-to-day life. Pain management physicians are highly specialized in treating chronic pain. However, it may take time to find the most effective balance of medication, lifestyle changes and interventional procedures which will work best for you.
Interventional Procedures and Pain Medication
Your pain management specialist may prescribe an interventional pain injection or nerve block during the first visit. .The interventional procedure may have immediate effect or take a little more time. If pain persists despite interventional treatment, the next step may be to prescribe medications. Pain medication can be effective in controlling or alleviating chronic pain. The emphasis is always on the safe and appropriate use of these medications.
Pain Management Treatment Plan and Next Appointment
Your appointment will wrap up and include your written prescription — if there is one needed — and you will also be given a time for your next appointment. Pain management specialists prefer seeing patients regularly in order to get their pain quickly under control. Your treatment plan that outlines your diagnosis and treatment will be discussed, which can then be shared with your primary care physician. Family involvement is also encouraged. In fact, you are welcome to bring a family member with you during your first visit, if you believe this may ease your transition into care.
At Resolute Pain Solutions, our goal is always the same: to enhance patient experiences and improve care outcomes. In this singular mission, as our name implies, we remain…Resolute.