What can I expect from "pain management"?

[mdmc]

I pass this medical practice everyday. It has a sign that reads "Chiropractor, Acupuncture, Physical Therapy, Pain Management, Dr. Yaddayadda..

I always think to myself - adjustments help me, acupuncture has helped me, PT has helped me.. Why not try a Pain Management doctor.

So I call - I explain my situation, they agree to see me tomorrow.

Anyone know what I can expect when I go tomorrow? I only hope that they can somehow help me manage my pain. It sounds like this is somehow what they do.

What does a "pain management" doctor do? Anyone have info?

[Maru Kitteh]

1. Dr. of what? is my first question.

It could be wonderful, or it could be someone with a Phd in wallet suctioning.

[mdmc]

12. The doctor has a medical degree

[Maru Kitteh]

20. Have you tried Googling the name of the clinic/doctor?

I have no problem at all with complementary therapies as long as they are complements to medical management rather than in competition or opposition to it, but with or without them, not all doctors are created equal.

Sometimes a simple google search can give you a great feel for how well people feel they have fared, or if they feel they've been taken for a ride.

[mdmc]

25. I did not use google - thanks for the idea

will google now..

[sudopod]

2. Yeah, be careful.

Chiropractic and acupuncture aren't exactly medicine. ;)

If they make outrageous or miraculous claims, run far far away!

[Dappleganger]

3. Ask your primary care doctor.

[mdmc]

14. actually I was hoping this pain management MD would be my primary

I have a lot of 'specialists', but don't really have a general doctor.

[Dappleganger]

30. Believe me, it's important.

Mine does an excellent job of seeing the "big picture" and making sure that one med/treatment isn't interfering with the other and that all the bases are covered.

[LiberalAndProud]

4. My mother has had good results. Pain blocking injections in her case.

My MIL, on the other hand had less good experience because the pain clinic would not support her Oxycodone dependence. And sometimes they hold seminars on learning to live with pain. Good luck to you.

[Maru Kitteh]

There are far worse things than Oxycodone dependence when living a life of pain.

Bottom line: we just suck at helping people in pain and there's just so much of it out there.

[LiberalAndProud]

21. True.

The physician explained that oxy has no neurological affect. It makes you feel good, but doesn't stop the pain. And my MIL was still in *pain*. It terrified her to let go of the oxy. Still her pain was excruciating. She is better since spinal surgery.

[mdmc]

15. Thanks and good luck to you as well (we can all use luck)..

[EFerrari]

5. I've never been to a pain management doctor

but have learned a little pain management tech out of books. It's been very useful in emergencies, in labor and at the onset of anxiety attacks to cut them off at the pass.

This sounds like a really good idea.

[Deep13]

6. What to expect from a clinic that advertises legitimate therapy along with quack remedies?

I'm reminded that a few bad apples can spoil a bunch of good ones.

[mdmc]

17. I'll take pain relief where I can find it

adjustments, PT, and acupuncture has helped in the past..

[Deep13]

22. If you say so.

I'm not doubting the effectiveness of physical therapy where it is indicated, BTW.

[mdmc]

26. the relief my have been in my head (chiro, acup)

but at times I feel so much pain that I feel like I could just die. I work in the mental health field, and my pain tends to rob my of my patience, compassion, and problem solving skills (much needed traits in my field).

I have several "real doctors" (specialists), but still struggle with mad mad pain..

[RKP5637]

7. In my case I was referred to a "pain management" dr. after surgery. I had some

internal stuff done wherein the pain would not stop. This was a regular MD and his group specialized in treating pain by medication, steroids into nerve bundles, all sorts of things. Some people have chronic pain. Anyway, after several months the pain I was having cleared up so I didn't have to go that route. I would check with my MD first for a referral.

[AngryAmish]

8. go to a physiatrist

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physical_medicine_and_rehabilitation>

[mdmc]

19. thanks for the link

peace and low stress..

[warren pease]

9. Quite possibly, an oxycodone/oxycontin addiction. n/t

[Dogtown]

10. Frequently those shops are just peddling dope.

Be very wary unless you have a decent knowledge of pharmaceuticals, many have bad side effects besides addiction.

Percocet, for example, gives me horrific and extremely vivid dreams. It's a rare effect, but I know one Nurse Practitioner that shares the predilection.

[NightWatcher]

11. pain management= shit tons of morphine deriviatives (oxy, hydro, lortab.....)

sure they offer other treatments, but that's more often than not where they lead

Stay away from the bad pills

[Cetacea]

39. Or, shit tons of useless therapy that doesn't do shit.

If the clinic doesn't have an MD who can supplement with real pain killing meds it's most likely a scam op for chiropractors and massage therapists.

[Seedersandleechers]

13. Chiropractors

can not prescribe medication other then herbs or vitamins

[CrispyQ]

16. Well, in Colorado, pain management facilities are frequently associated with medical marijuana.

;)

Good luck to you. I can't imagine living with extreme pain on a daily basis. :hug:

[mdmc]

23. Thank you kindly

I lived a pretty healthy life until 3 years ago..
Pain has been a wicked teacher, sadly..

peace and low stress my friend.

[Freddie Stubbs]

18. Some pain management doctors have a tendency to over-prescribe narcotics

It is quite the cottage industry here in Florida: http://www.google.com/search?q=pill+mills&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a#hl=en&ds=n&sugexp=gsis&pq=pill%20mills&xhr=t&q=florida+pill+mills&cp=7&qe=ZmxvcmlkYXBpbGwgbWlsbHM&qesig=ltQue-0UAPQgrgau8wcz8g&pkc=AFgZ2tliYwlDu4TFqqvzPJZgtuAPzKd91lbVdU4pQagzpMO--WUb_mTrAF2HoD4VL4pHVgqX7rFbpofDRPdLORnMFWqswTzinQ&pf=p&sclient=psy&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US%3Aofficial&tbs=nws:1&aq=0l&aqi=&aql=f&oq=floridapill+mills&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.&fp=7cc8ecbb99fc8eda

[uppityperson]

24. It depends on a number of factors. Most every doctor does some pain management, as do

chiros, pt, Ac, MT, etc. It is a description of one thing they do. WHAT they do depends on the person, on the license, etc. As far as I am aware, it is marketing and a description. I have known some really good pain management doctors/clinics, and some shams.

Just because they advertise something does not mean they are in any way competent. Just because they advertise something does not mean much of anything. MOST medical/health care providers work with pain management. Some are more specialized, some just use the words.

Please report back and let us know and good luck.

[mdmc]

27. thanks for the reply

I will check back..

[uppityperson]

28. Sorry you are in pain, hope you get some relief. Forgot to answer your ??, here...

It would be interesting to hear what the place was like.

I would expect them taking a long history, perhaps doing range of motion tests or electronic nerve testing, depending upon what the problem is. Maybe CAT/x-rays/blood work to rule out other issues. But definitely a long verbal history, talk, and exam.

Could prescribe meds or a TENs unit, or other therapy. The best hope is they would be able to coordinate what care would work best for you.

[mdmc]

32. when I walked in there were L.Ron Hubbard books

so it didn't go well..

[uppityperson]

33. Dang, that is too bad. Glad you found out so quickly though.

Do you have a primary care provider? I know you said you were hoping a pain control person could be, wondering if you've had one up to now as they might be able to give you some ideas on who is legitimate.

Sorry it was just advertising, hope you find someone decent.

[jmowreader]

29. I hate to say it...

but this guy sounds like a Dr. Feelgood to me.

[Codeine]

31. They're basically retail storefronts for addictive narcotics.

Hillbilly heroin emporiums. You get a cursory exam and they write you a scrip for Oxys. Cash only.

[NillaWafers]

36. Do you have any links to back up your statement? For instance..

is the Pain Management Center at the University of Minnesota a hillbilly heroin emporium?

Please provide links backing up your assertion.

[Codeine]

37. This place is a storefront advertising chiro services.

One can safely assume it has fuck-all to do with a place like a university program.

Watch the recent Vanguard documentary on Current TV on the practice of storefront pain management centers.

[NillaWafers]

38. Oh! I did not know you had been to this particular Pain Clinic.

I thought you were just spouting off nonsense without being able to back it up.

My apologies.

[Moondog]

34. In the long run? More pain. n/t

[NillaWafers]

35. Lots of misinformation in these replies.

Sometimes, NOT ALWAYS, a pain clinic is used when a physician has run out of all viable options to treat a person in chronic pain who has become tolerant of narcotics to the point of dependency or/and abuse.

A pain clinic has the ability to focus more time on the patient. Multiple approaches can be used. Medications are just one part of the equation. There is Physical Therapy, Tens units, injections, massage, bio-feedback, yoga, you name it.

Keep an open mind and I hope someday you will find relief. Best of luck.