How do pain clinics work? Terrible pain!

Dear Blu,

There are several types of pain clinics. Some pass out pills, some do injections, some do both. I go to the latter. Look up the keywords on the search box at the top of the page. You'll see loads of stories.

Try to get a recommendation from a doctor you are seeing. Pain clinics are not all great, but some are wonderful. Nothing to be scared of. If you have chronic pain find a place you can trust and get help.

Hang in there! I haven't been to pain management yet so I can't give you any advice. But, you have come to the right place. These kind people have a wealth of information. All you have to do is ask.

Here's my rundown of how pain clinics work.

Pain management doctors understand the new research, are up on the latest meds and treatment methods, and understand pain WAY more than a typical doctor. Mine is caring and compassionate, and even better, his office staff is incredibly pleasant and helpful.

My office does injections (I'm having a nerve block next week), but they don't force anyone to do it.

Be CAREFUL if the doctor just wants to throw scripts at you. Relief does not come from a bottle. Find a place that offers comprehensive services, like PT, electro-stim, counseling (mind and body are not separate!)

No matter what though, meds will not solve your pain. In my experience you may have a lot of lifestyle changes to make. I read what you said about not exercising and to be honest that is one of my greatest frustrations in being a CP patient. Regular exercise was KEY in treating my depression and since I haven't been able to do that, well, it just compounds everything.

I need to get my butt motivated to get down to our community center and start doing exercise in the water, starting off with walking. I love walking in water. Much easier on the body. Cindylou, you may want to try that. it was my go to form of exercise during all of my pregnancies.

Are they usual covered by ins? If not, i cant afford it on my ssdi money. I'm scared of letting go of my meds. I simply can't stand any more pain. I just can't!

Hmmmm. Thanks for your input. I'm just scared that they'll take away my pain meds or change Myrdal to things that don't work for me.

BluAngel,

I don't think they would take any meds from you that are working.

The way I think of Pain Management Doctors is that they are able to prescribe Pain meds that your PCP can't or won't.

When your pain gets to a point that your regular Doctor can't treat it effectively then I think it's time for Pain Management.

Just remember that there are good ones and bad ones.

Take care,

Rick