Chronic pain affects millions of men and women in America each year. This chronic pain affects not only their quality of life but also affects their mental and emotional well-being. This is where the role of pain management doctors comes in. The pain management doctors in St. Peters specialize in managing your chronic or acute pain, so you can get relief and live your life to the fullest.
Let’s talk about what to expect when visiting a pain management doctor and where you can go for effective pain management in St. Peters, MO.
What Does a Pain Management Specialist Do?
A pain management specialist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing pain in patients. Pain management specialists can treat various conditions, including:
- Acute pain, or sudden, short-term pain that has only persisted for a week or two
- Chronic pain, or pain that has lasted longer than several weeks, months, or years
- Pain following a surgical procedure
Your pain management specialist may suggest interventional pain management techniques that resolve pain without using opioids or a surgical procedure to help bring you relief.
What Can I Expect During My Visit
Many patients want to know what to expect when visiting a pain management doctor. Your first appointment with a pain management specialist will likely last about an hour. During this time, your doctor will review your medical history and any symptoms you may be experiencing. They will also likely perform a physical examination to determine your ability to function with your current pain levels. You must be open and honest with your provider during your initial appointment. The more candid you are about your symptoms, the better they will be able to assist you in getting pain-free.
What Should I Bring to My Visit?
Before you visit a pain management specialist, you’ll likely have to fill out a packet of paperwork so your specialist can fully understand your medical history and the pain you’re experiencing. It’s important to ask about blood work during your first appointment, as your provider may ask you to fast for testing. You can also bring a friend or family member to your first appointment for physical and moral support.
What Type of Pain Can a Pain Management Specialist Treat?
Pain management specialists offer a wide range of treatments for a vast array of acute and chronic pain conditions. Some of the conditions your pain management specialist can assist you with include:
- Neck and back pain
- Spinal conditions
- Pain in the joints
- Nerve pain
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip and knee pain
- Foot and ankle pain
Pain Management Doctor in St. Peters, MO
Going to a pain management specialist for the first time can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the pain management specialists at Advanced Bone and Joint, we’ll be there for you every step of the way. At Advanced Bone & Joint in Wentzville, O’Fallon, and St. Peters, MO, our board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians frequently help patients deal with chronic pain stemming from musculoskeletal disorders, nervous system disorders, and more. We offer many advanced treatments to avoid dependence on strong pain medications and unnecessary surgeries.
If you want to know how the pain management doctors in St. Peters can help you, call us today at (636) 229-4222, or schedule an appointment with us by using our convenient online appointment request form.