What Does A Pain Management Doctor Do?
Jan 15, 2019
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Dr. Nikesh Seth is a leading pain management doctor in Arizona and committed to addressing all pain issues patients face. However, in recent years there have been some misconceptions about what “pain doctors” do. Thanks to the nickname painkillers.....
Dr. Nikesh Seth is a leading pain management doctor in Arizona and committed to addressing all pain issues patients face. However, in recent years there have been some misconceptions about what “pain doctors” do. Thanks to the nickname painkillers, we have come to think that pain isn’t normal or natural. Our goal is to immediately eliminate any degree of pain, even before the cause has been determined. That isn’t what pain management doctors do, nor should it be anyone’s goal.
Pain serves a fundamental purpose. It’s the body’s way of throwing up a red flag and saying something’s wrong. Only in certain instances are those signals wrong and the brain sends, or continues to send, pain signals when there is no cause. In those situations, painkillers might be appropriate. Otherwise, it’s more important to manage the pain than to immediately dismiss it.
Finding the source of the pain is key. If it is going to take some time to address the source, managing the pain so the patient can enjoy their daily activities should be the goal. In short-term situations, such as after surgery, strong pain management pills such as opioids might be prudent. However, these strong and addictive solutions are also dangerous. They require close monitoring by a doctor and should only be used for short amounts of time.
If the pain lasts longer or is chronic (over six months), it’s especially important to find a safe and effective form of pain management. This can often be achieved through alternative therapies. For example, RFA (radiofrequency ablation) is a completely drug-free and safe way to manage pain.
Contact Integrated Pain Consultants Today!
For chronic pain sufferers, it’s important to work with a pain management doctor you can trust and who is committed to your comfort and safety. Easy and fast solutions aren’t always the best—although many alternative therapies can offer immediate pain relief. Discuss your goals and options with a trusted pain management doctor by contacting Integrated Pain Consultants at 480-626-2552.