What is a pain management specialist?
Pain management specialists are doctors who specialise in the management of patients suffering from acute and chronic pain. These physicians are usually anaesthetists.
What to expect at your first appointment
History
Treatment of your pain will depend on its nature, duration and likely cause. To do this, your pain management specialist will first need to determine these factors and then get more background before making management decisions about treatment. To do this, they will generally ask you about:
- Previous medical problems
- Medications
- Social history
Management of acute and chronic pain
Along with your pain specialist, management of acute and/or chronic is often accomplished with a multidisciplinary team.
Medication
Medications either orally, by transdermal patch or infusion are frequently used.
A wide range of medications, often several different types, can be used.
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Mental health
Psychological support can also assist greatly with pain management.
How common is chronic pain in Australia?
About 20% of Australian adults suffer from chronic pain. Injury is the leading cause of chronic pain, with the most common injuries occurring during sports, through auto accidents, and work-related accidents.
What is the difference between acute pain and chronic pain?
Acute pain generally lasts for a short while and then goes away after treatment. On the other hand, pain is termed as chronic when it persists for at least 3 months and you experience it on most days of the week.
Nerve blocks and epidurals
Occasionally procedures like nerve blocks and epidurals are performed to ease chronic pain or assist in managing acute pain.
Medical conditions treated
- Acute pain
- Chronic pain
Specialty areas
- Nerve blocks
- Epidural anaesthesia
- Paediatric pain
- Addiction and drug abuse
- Toxicology
Associated tests
Imaging, especially CT Scans or MRI.
Procedures
- Nerve blocks
- Analgesic infusions
- Epidurals
Training and qualifications
Links
A: Use HealthEngine to find and book your next Pain Medicine Physician appointment. Click on the following locations to find a Pain Medicine Physician clinic in your state or territory.
- Pain Medicine Physician Clinics in ACT
- Pain Medicine Physician Clinics in NSW
- Pain Medicine Physician Clinics in NT
- Pain Medicine Physician Clinics in QLD
- Pain Medicine Physician Clinics in SA
- Pain Medicine Physician Clinics in TAS
- Pain Medicine Physician Clinics in VIC
- Pain Medicine Physician Clinics in WA
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.
All content and media on the HealthEngine Blog is created and published online for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard the advice of a medical professional, or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department, or call the emergency services immediately.
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