What Is a Pain Management Specialist? Should I See One?

Pain management specialists are doctors who have special training in treating all kinds of pain. Pain can arise for a number of reasons. These can include injury, nerve damage, surgery, or a chronic health conditions like sickle cell. Pain may also be the problem by itself, since some people have pain without an obvious cause.¹

Doctors continue to learn more about pain, how it develops, and how to best manage it. Pain management specialists have knowledge of the how pain works in the body, medications to treat pain, and ways to reduce the perception of pain. In addition, pain management specialists learn how to evaluate patients with complicated conditions.¹

What happens during a first visit?

During your first visit with a pain management specialist, the doctor will focus on evaluating your pain and understanding your health concerns. The first visit usually includes a physical exam, a detailed health history, and a review of any previous tests performed. It is helpful to bring any earlier imaging studies, such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans you may have had. Your doctor will analyze your situation and possibly give you an initial diagnosis. In some cases, more tests may be needed.¹

What type of treatments are available?

Pain management specialists use a combination of treatments to help people who have acute or chronic pain, including:¹

• Medicine
• Procedures like nerve blocks or spinal injections
• Complementary and alternative approaches, like mindfulness practices, meditation, acupuncture, or physical therapy

When should you see a pain management specialist?

Chronic pain is generally considered any pain that lasts for more than 3 months. If you have pain for a longer time under the care of your current healthcare team, it may be time to consult a pain management specialist. You may need to get a referral to a pain management specialist from your primary doctor.²

Pain management specialists understand the many options available to manage chronic pain, like the pain that people with sickle cell have.