What can I expect during an appointment with a pain specialist?

American Society of Anesthesiologists

Your pain medicine physician is often an anesthesiologist. Here's what to expect from a pain medicine doctor:

The pain medicine doctor will work closely with your primary care doctor.
Pain medicine doctors will review your medical records and X-rays or other imaging studies as needed.
They will ask you to describe your pain in detail, such as where it hurts, for how long, what makes the pain worse or what makes it feel better.
They may ask you to fill out a detailed questionnaire that helps them to assess the impact that your pain is having on your lifestyle and if it is interfering with your daily activities.
They also will do a complete physical examination.
They may need to order other tests and will then review all of their findings to determine what is causing your pain and how the problem can be corrected.

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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Pain Treatment

Pain treatment varies depending on the severity of an injury or cause of the pain. Analgesics, or pain relievers, may be your first step. Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin can treat mild to moderate pain. Stronger pain medication may be prescribed after surgery or more severe injuries. For chronic pain that persists, your doctor can help determine the best course of treatment or give you a referral for a pain specialist. Learn more about treating pain with expert advice from Sharecare.

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