Pain management specialists rival few when it comes to the breadth of treatment options they offer for managing and alleviating chronic discomfort. These specialists are trained in diverse techniques, granting them the ability to devise a wide range of personalized treatment plans. Dr Sonny Rubin explains the types of treatments a patient might receive from a pain management specialist.
Medication Management
One of the most common treatments a pain management specialist can provide is medication management. These medications could range from non-opioid to opioid prescriptions, depending on the patient’s unique situation. Other categories include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and certain classes of antidepressants or anticonvulsants that have been shown to relieve chronic pain.
Interventional Procedures
Interventional procedures can be effective for many patients suffering from chronic pain. These procedures often provide more long-lasting relief than medications alone. Examples of interventional treatments include epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, and intra-articular joint injections. The choice of procedure depends on the source and nature of the patient’s pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in many pain management treatment plans. Regularly performing guided exercises can strengthen the body, increase flexibility, and relieve muscle tension, all of which can contribute to pain reduction. Physical therapists work closely with pain management specialists to create exercise regimens tailored to the individual patient Dr Sonny Rubin.
Behavioral Health Treatments
Almost every case of chronic pain impacts not just a patient’s physical health but also their mental and emotional wellbeing. Therefore, integrating psychological and behavioral health treatments into a patient’s pain management plan may be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy, stress management, biofeedback, and meditation are examples of strategies that can help patients cope with their pain.
Alternative Therapies
Lastly, some pain management specialists incorporate alternative therapies into treatment plans. Though these methods don’t replace traditional medical treatment, they can complement it. Treatments such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and yoga, serve as valuable alternatives or additions to standard pain management strategies Dr Sonny Rubin.
