Introduction
Dealing with relentless, chronic pain can be disheartening, especially when it feels like no one has the right solution or someone suggests you simply have to live with it.
You might find yourself asking: "Is this really my life now? This pain is draining me. Nerve pain is unbearable. Shouldn't there be more modern solutions to manage my pain?"
The good news is, yes, there are ways to manage pain effectively, even if you haven't found the right approach yet. It could be that you need to look in new places or that your healthcare providers haven't pointed you in the right direction yet.
As the world evolves, so does modern medicine, including how we address pain in its various forms: chronic pain, cancer pain, and acute pain.
Here's why pain management is evolving and why you might need an expert's help:
Chronic pain affects many people. It affects up to 3.2million Australians in any year.
Chronic pain is complex. There are many layers to chronic pain, which means managing it requires specialised knowledge and expertise.
Pain affects patients in many, if not all, specialties of medicine i.e. surgical specialities from neurosurgery to orthopaedics, medical specialists from rheumatology to oncology, and many others. They all must deal with pain but many of these specialists may not be equipped to understand and address all the nuances of chronic pain.
Pain management is more than just prescribing opioids. New methods of pain management focus on diverse treatments, not just long-term opioid use.
Given the complexity of assessing, diagnosing, and treating chronic pain, a new medical specialty has emerged: the pain medicine specialist physician. In Australia, the Faculty of Pain Medicine was established in 2005, reflecting the growing need for experts who can navigate the intricate landscape of pain management and offer comprehensive solutions tailored to each individual’s needs.
So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by persistent pain, remember that there is hope.
Pain specialists are medical specialists that have dedicated their careers to finding the right combination of treatments to help you regain control of your life.
What is a Pain Specialist Physician?
Pain specialist physicians (sometimes called specialist pain medicine physicians) are dually qualified medical doctors who have completed advanced medical training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of all types of pain, including acute pain, chronic pain, cancer pain, and combinations thereof. Pain can originate from various sources, such as surgery, trauma, nerve damage, and medical conditions like diabetes, and sometimes it can occur without any identifiable cause.
Pain medicine is a multi-disciplinary field, and pain specialists often have primary specialties such as anaesthetics, rehabilitation medicine, or general practice. They utilise a range of strategies, including biomedical, psychological, and behavioural, to help patients manage and cope with pain. This holistic approach includes educating and counselling patients and their families, coordinating rehabilitation, and offering evidence-based advice on medication and procedural interventions to relieve the pain to support rehabilitation techniques.
Pain specialists often work in multidisciplinary pain clinics or centres, which have been established in Australia and New Zealand to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex pain conditions. These clinics bring together a range of medical and allied health professionals to address the multidimensional aspects of pain and formulate appropriate treatment plans.
As our understanding of pain grows, the importance of having physicians with specialised training and skills in pain management becomes even more crucial. Pain specialists play a key role in providing effective, patient-cantered care for those living with pain.
What do pain specialist physicians do?
Pain specialist physicians are medical experts in understanding, diagnosing, and treating pain. They are equipped with the following skills and knowledge:
Deep Understanding of Pain Physiology: Pain specialists understand how pain happens and how it affects the body, recognising that pain can impact people across all age groups and health statuses.
Expertise in Evaluating Complex Pain Conditions: Pain specialists are skilled at evaluating individuals with complicated pain problems, considering multiple factors that might contribute to the pain experience.
Proficiency in Specialised Diagnostic Tests: Pain specialists are familiar with a range of specialised tests to identify various painful conditions, allowing them to pinpoint the source and nature of pain.
Authorised to Prescribe a Variety of Pain Medications: They can prescribe a wide range of pain medications, from non-opioid analgesics to more potent options, depending on the specific needs of the patient.
Capable of Performing Advanced Procedures: Pain specialists can conduct complex procedures such as nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablations, spinal injections, and advanced interventional techniques like neurostimulator implants or intrathecal pump devices for certain pain conditions, including cancer pain.
Trained in Safe and Effective Pain Management: They use their specialised knowledge to safely and effectively manage pain, ensuring that patients receive appropriate care tailored to their condition.
Coordinators of Multidisciplinary Pain Care: Pain specialists play a central role in coordinating additional pain care, including physical therapy, psychological therapy, and rehabilitation programs. This comprehensive approach, known as multidisciplinary pain management, aims to address the various aspects of complex pain to achieve the best outcomes for patients.
What to Look for When Choosing a Pain Specialist Physician
Finding the right pain specialist physician is crucial for managing your chronic pain. Here's what you should consider:
Correct training, expertise, and experience: The first thing to look for in a pain specialist is their level of training and experience in dealing with your specific type of pain. They should have a strong educational background in pain management and hands-on experience with various pain conditions.
Comfort and trust: It's essential to feel comfortable with your pain specialist and have confidence in their ability to help you. A good pain specialist will listen to your concerns, explain your treatment options clearly, and work collaboratively with you to develop a treatment plan.
Comprehensive approach to pain management: Effective management of chronic pain often requires a combination of medications, advanced interventional techniques (like injections), and coordinated care with other healthcare professionals.
Ensure your pain specialist has expertise in these areas and adopts a holistic approach to treatment.
Recognised fellowship in pain management: One way to verify a pain specialist's qualifications is by checking if they have completed a recognised fellowship in pain management. In Australia and New Zealand, this qualification is the Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (FFPMANZCA).
The Australian and New Zealand Directory of Pain Specialists can be found here.
Signs You Should Consider Seeing a Pain Specialist
Wondering if it's time to consult a pain specialist? Here are some signs to look out for:
Persistent Pain: If you're dealing with ongoing pain, regardless of its type or location, a pain specialist can help. They have expertise in managing all types of pain, from acute to chronic.
Unsuccessful Pain Management: Have you tried various therapies and techniques to manage your pain without success? If so, it may be time to seek the specialised care of a pain specialist who can offer alternative approaches and interventions.
Impact on Quality of Life: When pain starts interfering with your daily activities and enjoyment of life, it's essential to seek professional help. Whether it's limiting your mobility, disrupting sleep, or affecting your mood, a pain specialist can work with you to improve your quality of life.
If any of these situations resonate with you, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with a pain specialist. They can assess your condition, develop a personalised treatment plan, and provide the support you need to manage your pain effectively.
What to Expect During Your First Visit to a Pain Management Specialist
When you visit a pain management specialist for the first time, you're embarking on a journey toward understanding and managing your pain. Here's what you can expect during your initial visit:
Comprehensive Assessment: The pain specialist will aim to understand your pain in depth. This involves discussing your medical history, including any surgeries or chronic conditions, as well as the impact pain has on your daily life.
Detailed Questionnaire: You may be asked to fill out a questionnaire about your pain. Be as detailed as possible, and bring any relevant medical records, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans. The more information you provide, the better your specialist can tailor the treatment plan to your needs.
Physical Examination: The specialist will conduct a physical examination to assess your pain and look for any physical signs that may help in diagnosis.
Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: Based on the information gathered, your pain specialist will aim to diagnose your condition or develop a plan to identify the root cause of your pain. This could involve further tests or consultations with other specialists. The specialist will also discuss potential treatment pathways and work with you to create a personalised plan.
Collaborative Approach: A good pain specialist will listen to your concerns and take your preferences into account when developing a treatment plan. Expect an open dialogue where you can ask questions and share your thoughts about your pain management journey.
Remember, managing pain is a process, and it might take multiple visits to fully understand and address your specific needs. Be patient and open to the collaborative approach your pain specialist offers.
Conclusion
Living with chronic pain is challenging, and many people reach out to a pain specialist when they're already feeling overwhelmed. To get the most effective help, it's crucial to find the right pain specialist early on. Take the time to ask the right questions, research your options, and find a specialist who understands your unique needs. By doing so, you can embark on a path toward better pain management.
Good luck, and remember, you're not alone in this journey.
