What Does a Pain Management Doctor Do For You?
Chronic pain affects millions of people and often limits movement, sleep, and overall well-being. When standard treatments stop working, many patients turn to a pain management doctor for answers. These medical professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating ongoing or severe pain using a combination of procedures, medications, and physical therapy. At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, our Atlanta pain management specialists focus on relieving pain at its source and helping patients return to daily activities with confidence.
In this blog, we’ll answer the question: “What does a pain management doctor do?, with guidance on seeking effective treatment from an experienced Atlanta pain management specialist at Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics.
What Is a Pain Management Doctor?
A pain management doctor is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating chronic and severe pain. These physicians use a variety of methods to relieve pain and improve a patient’s function.
Board-Certified Medical Professionals
Pain management doctors are board-certified in specialties such as anesthesiology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, or neurology. After medical school, they complete advanced training in diagnosing and treating pain symptoms. Many continue their education through fellowships focused on pain management practices.
Focus on Chronic Pain Conditions
These specialists treat many chronic pain conditions. This includes back pain, joint pain, nerve damage, and spinal disorders. Their training helps them evaluate patients with long-term symptoms that affect daily life. Pain doctors also help patients whose pain has not improved with basic treatment from a primary care physician.
Interventional and Non-Surgical Options
A pain management doctor may use a mix of interventional treatments and medication. This includes spinal injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation. They also manage pain relief with anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, or physical therapy. These options help many patients avoid surgery.
Comprehensive Evaluation and Diagnosis
During the first visit, the doctor reviews medical records and conducts a physical exam. They may order diagnostic tests such as MRI or CT scans. The goal is to identify the source of the pain and develop a clear treatment plan.
Role Within a Healthcare Team
Pain management doctors work with other healthcare providers to treat pain effectively. This includes physical therapists, chiropractors, and surgeons. At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, pain specialists in Atlanta create personalized treatment plans that address each patient’s needs.
The Patient Journey: What to Expect During Your First Visit
Understanding what happens during your first appointment with a pain management doctor can help you prepare and feel confident in the process.
Initial Consultation and Medical History
The visit begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms. The pain management doctor will ask when the pain started, what makes it worse, and how it affects your daily routine. They will also review your full medical history, including past treatments, surgeries, and current medications. This helps the doctor identify any patterns in your pain symptoms.
Physical Examination
A thorough physical exam follows the initial consultation. The doctor will check your posture, range of motion, reflexes, and muscle strength. They may press on specific areas to find the source of the pain. This hands-on evaluation helps pinpoint the affected nerves, joints, or soft tissue.
Diagnostic Testing
If needed, the doctor may order imaging or other diagnostic tests. These may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or X-rays. The goal is to get a clear view of the spine, joints, and surrounding tissue. In some cases, blood tests are also used to check for signs of inflammation or infection.
Discussion of Findings and Next Steps
Once the evaluation is complete, the pain management specialist will explain the findings. They will talk about what is causing your pain and outline possible treatment options. This may include interventional procedures, medication, or physical therapy. The plan will focus on relieving pain and improving your quality of life.
Coordination With Other Healthcare Providers
The doctor may contact your primary care physician or other members of your healthcare team. Sharing information ensures that treatment is safe and effective. At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, Atlanta pain management doctors take a team-based approach to care, combining expertise for better outcomes.
Common Conditions Treated by Pain Management Doctors
Pain management doctors treat a wide range of chronic pain conditions that affect nerves, joints, muscles, and the spine.
Back and Neck Pain
Chronic back pain and neck pain are among the most common reasons patients visit a pain clinic. These conditions may be caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. An Atlanta pain management specialist evaluates the source of the pain and develops a treatment plan that may include spinal injections, nerve blocks, or physical therapy.
Joint Pain and Arthritis
Pain management doctors treat joint pain linked to arthritis, bursitis, and other inflammatory conditions. Knees, shoulders, and hips are often affected. Treatments such as joint injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and guided physical therapy are used to relieve pain and improve mobility.
Nerve Pain and Neuropathy
Nerve pain can result from diabetes, injury, or compressed nerves. Symptoms include burning, tingling, or sharp pain. Pain management specialists often use nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, or radiofrequency ablation to target the pain signals and reduce discomfort.
Headaches and Facial Pain
Chronic headaches, including migraines and cluster headaches, may be managed through a combination of medication and interventional treatments. Some facial pain conditions, like trigeminal neuralgia, also fall under the care of a pain management doctor.
Pain After Surgery or Injury
Many patients experience lingering pain after surgery or a physical injury. This includes post-surgical nerve pain, scar tissue problems, or soft tissue damage. A pain management physician may use a mix of medication, muscle relaxants, and targeted procedures to treat pain and promote healing.
Customized Treatment Plans: How Pain Management Doctors Relieve Pain
Each patient experiences pain differently, so pain management doctors create treatment plans based on the specific cause and severity of the condition.
Personalized Approach to Chronic Pain
A pain management specialist begins by identifying the root cause of the pain through a physical exam and diagnostic tests. Once the diagnosis is clear, the doctor creates a personalized treatment plan. This plan targets pain symptoms while focusing on long-term improvement in function and quality of life.
Interventional Pain Management Techniques
Interventional treatments are often used to treat severe or chronic pain. These may include nerve blocks, spinal injections, joint injections, and radiofrequency ablation. In some cases, spinal cord stimulation is recommended to interrupt pain signals. These procedures are performed in a clinical setting and are guided by imaging tools for precision.
Medication and Physical Therapy
When needed, pain management doctors may prescribe pain relieving medications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants. These medications help control pain while the underlying issue is being treated. Physical therapy is often included to restore strength, increase mobility, and support long-term recovery.
Monitoring and Adjusting the Plan
Treatment plans are not fixed. Pain management physicians monitor progress and adjust as needed. Follow-up visits allow the doctor to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and make changes if pain symptoms persist. This process ensures that patients continue to receive care that matches their current condition.
Seek Relief With an Experienced Atlanta Pain Management Specialist ASAP!
Ready to take the next step? Reach out to our team at Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Atlanta pain management specialist. Let us help you build a personalized plan to relieve your pain, restore your function, and improve your quality of life.
Schedule an appointment with us today at 678-929-4494!
