Sometimes, a little pain in the body can be tolerated. But how difficult is it to live with constant pain in one part of the body for days, weeks, or even years? Many people suffer from this kind of chronic pain, unable to do their work and be happy. But don't worry. You can help, there are doctors who treat this pain specifically. Today, we will talk about the different types of doctors who treat this pain and how to choose the right one for you.
Different specialists who treat pain
When you first see your family doctor, he or she can refer you to a specialist based on the nature of your pain. These different specialists treat different types of pain. Let's take a look at who they are.
| Type of specialist | Conditions treated and what is done |
|---|---|
| Pain Medicine Specialists | These people treat various types of pain. These include pain after surgery, pain from accidents, pain caused by nerve damage, and pain caused by diseases such as diabetes. Sometimes they also treat pain for which no cause can be found. Their treatment methods include medications and targeted injections. |
| Orthopedic Specialists | These specialists treat any disorder related to the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and musculoskeletal system of our body. Some specialize in specific parts of the body, such as the hip, knee, and shoulder. They are also trained to perform surgery if necessary. |
| Rheumatologists | They treat pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, muscles, and bones caused by rheumatic diseases such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout . They use medications, painkillers, or anti-inflammatory injections. |
| Physiatrists / Rehabilitation Physicians | They treat any disorder or condition that affects the movement of the body. They specialize in treating nerve, muscle, and bone pain (e.g., back pain, neck pain, sports injuries) without surgery. They also help manage pain after surgery. |
| Physical & Occupational Therapists | These are not doctors, but they are trained professionals who help patients recover under medical advice. They help people recovering from an accident or surgery by using things like massage, stretching, and exercise to reduce pain and restore movement. |
| Alternative Therapies | Methods such as acupuncture and chiropractic can also provide relief for some pain (e.g. back pain, headaches). However, it is very important to talk to your primary care physician and seek his or her advice before undergoing any such treatment. |
How do you choose a specialist who is right for you?
Choosing the right doctor can greatly affect the success of your treatment. After getting a referral from your family doctor, you may also want to consider these things:
Rather than simply prescribing pain medication , it is best to choose a doctor who can diagnose the cause of the pain and provide a treatment plan that works for it.
- Training and experience: Look for someone who has special training and experience treating the same painful condition you have.
- Qualifications: Make sure he is a qualified doctor registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council.
- Good listening: Is someone who listens carefully to what you say and the nature of your pain?
- Trustworthiness: Do you trust him? Can you talk to him easily?
- Encouraging you to ask questions: Is there someone who encourages you to ask questions and provides clear answers to your problems?
- Having a good reputation: Find out if the person has a good reputation and recognition among the medical community .
How do you prepare when going to see a specialist?
It's very important to not panic when you go to see the doctor, to bring everything you need, and to be properly prepared. That way, it's easier for the doctor to understand you properly and give you the best treatment.
Things you should bring
- A copy of all your old medical records , X-rays, scan reports, etc.
- A list of all medications you are currently taking , including any vitamins and herbal supplements you take.
- If possible, keep a pain diary . That is, write down how you felt the pain throughout the day, when it increased, when it decreased, and what you did during that time. This is very valuable information for your doctor .
Questions the doctor may ask you
The doctor will examine you and ask you questions about your pain. Answer these questions clearly and honestly.
- Where exactly does it hurt?
- How does the pain feel? (e.g., burning? stabbing? numb? tight? throbbing?)
- When did this pain start?
- How bad is the pain? (For example, if you were to give a number from 0 to 10, 0 means no pain and 10 means unbearable pain, give your pain a number.)
- What do you think is the reason for this?
- Did you take any medication for this? Did you undergo any other treatment ?
- Does the pain increase when you do something? Or does it decrease when you do something?
If you say all of this correctly, the doctor will be able to get a better understanding of your condition.
Take-Home Message
- If you have chronic pain, don't ignore it. It's not normal. Talk to your family doctor first.
- Depending on the nature of your pain, there are different types of specialists who can help you. So don't give up hope.
- When you go to see a doctor, be sure to bring all your old reports and a list of medications you are taking.
- Tell your doctor about your pain clearly and without hiding anything. It is essential for proper treatment.
- Follow the doctor's instructions exactly. Don't stop treatment midway. You will recover quickly!
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