Chronic pain limits mobility and makes even menial chores hard to perform. Unfortunately, living or coping with recurring pain is not a solution – it requires a pain management specialist. While it’s good to see your primary care physician, chances are they are not qualified to treat consistent pain issues. Like the experts at NextGen, only a licensed pain management therapist can get to the root of the problem and treat it accordingly.

If you are like millions of other people dealing with daily pain, keep the following guidelines in mind. These will help you make an informed decision on when to see a pain management doctor.

The pain persists

If your pain does not go away on its own, this is a sign that something is wrong. On average, pain should not last more than three months in affected areas. However, you may have sustained an injury or experienced internal issues you are not aware of – and only a pain management physician can resolve this dilemma.

With this in mind, keep track of the symptoms you are experiencing each day. For example, is the pain centralized, sporadic, or radiating up and down the back or legs? Do you find solace in pain medications, or does the pain continue to persist?

The answers to these questions will determine whether you need a pain management practitioner or not. Again, while family physicians specialize in many areas of healthcare, only pain management professionals treat and resolve acute, chronic, and severe pain. They are trained to analyze and assess complex pain issues with a range of treatment options available.

Do not wait too long to receive care

One of the biggest mistakes pain sufferers make is avoiding timely treatments. Whether due to injury, obesity, or heredity, chronic pain must be treated and stopped at its source. Failure to see a pain management doctor can result in irreparable harm and damage. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a physician who specializes in neuropathy promptly. They have a broad spectrum of expertise and can resolve most pain issues naturally.

Dependent on pain relievers

The opioid crisis continues to impact our nation and the world. More than 191 opioid prescriptions were dispensed to American patients in 2017 alone. Unfortunately, with the number of prescription painkillers on the rise, there is always a higher risk of addiction. If you no longer want immediate, temporary relief from pain meds that may cause more harm than good, NextGen is the one to call on.

They are an industry leader in alternative treatments with organic care plans.

From physical therapy to acupuncture, you will find a myriad of non-invasive pain treatments. These are the solutions to ongoing pain problems, especially for patients who have exhausted all efforts to alleviate the stress and tension.

Pain medications are no longer helping

Over time, your body can grow a solid tolerance to pain relievers. Unfortunately, this renders them less effective and even useless in some cases. Only a pain management specialist can review the medications you are taking and find alternative treatments to manage your pain effectively.

For example, a chiropractor may perform deep-tissue massages and adjustments to the spine, neck, or back. Rehabilitative sessions with light exercises may target the affected areas, releasing stress and tension in the muscles. These therapies require no medications and are proven forms of natural treatments.

You want an alternative to surgical procedures

Corrective surgery should only be the last option. While undoubtedly a treatment alternative, surgeries are not needed for everyone. Since each patient is unique, the pain management doctor will formulate a personalized plan of care that meets your health and wellness goals. This should be followed accordingly, as achieving success depends on both the physician and the patient.

Pain has decreased but is still present

Some patients may experience a decrease in pain with family-doctor prescribed medications. However, the ultimate goal is to eradicate the pain, not bear or manage it daily. If your primary care physician has utilized everything at their disposal, it’s time to seek out a pain management specialist.

The pain management doctor will keep your family physician in the loop regarding treatment. The difference is that they have a wealth of high-quality treatments for all types of chronic pain issues. They also understand the origins of your pain and create customized treatment strategies – specific to your needs. This is far more effective than medications or therapies your primary care physician may prescribe.

Once treatment begins, you can relay any information to the pain doctor. Progress requires honest communications, so the physician knows how well the treatments are working. They may alter the treatments based on your immediate or long-term goals.

Why is a pain management doctor essential?

Chronic pain is usually a result of an underlying issue. OTC medications alleviate the pain but do not resolve the underlying condition itself. Physiological and psychological may also contribute to recurring pain and have to be addressed as well. A pain management doctor has the skills and expertise to handle and treat these common or intricate problems.

Here are some more benefits of seeing a pain management specialist:

• Pain doctors can address every factor involved in your pain with timely recommendations for relief.
• They can diagnose and treat the underlying issues causing your pain.
• Pain management therapists treat conditions like inflammation, swelling, arthritis, joint–muscle- tissue problems, and tendonitis.
• They provide comprehensive treatments that alleviate pain and restore optimal mobility in patients of all ages.
• Pain experts utilize cutting-edge technologies to pinpoint and address the root causes and symptoms of chronic pain.

A Pain doctor can treat many chronic conditions

Knowing when to see a pain doctor depends on your symptoms and the severity of the pain. Therefore, keeping track of how you feel plays a pivotal role in receiving the best treatment from pain management professionals. In addition, as there are many kinds of chronic pain, there are also several chronic conditions. These include recurring neck pain, back problems, pinched nerves, sciatica, fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease, and much more.

A pain doctor can treat these conditions and help patients with obesity, anxiety, stress, and depression.

Find a Pain Management Doctor in Dallas and Arlington, Texas

NextGen Pain & Injury Clinic specializes in treating chronic pain with comprehensive care plans. Our professionals offer immediate care and long-term care solutions for patients dealing with recurring pain issues. We offer same-day appointments, with two convenient locations in Arlington, Texas, and Dallas, Texas. Contact us today for a consultation or appointment at (817) 887-8182 (Arlington) or (972) 382-9732 (Dallas)