Why A Pain Management Physician Can Help You More Than An Internal Medicine Physician?

 

A pain management doctor has the experience and knowledge to treat all types pain. This type of doctor has the ability to diagnose and treat pain more precisely than an internist. An internist might be able to pinpoint the exact source of pain, but may not be able the cause. He or she may be limited to prescribing medication or physical therapy that may not address the actual cause of the pain. Pain management is an area that is growing in popularity, as it affects Office based anesthesia more than 50,000,000 people each year. It also has a significant cost to the country in terms of lost productivity, health care costs, and emotional stress.

Pain Management MD Curriculum



Four years of undergraduate studies and four years in medical school will be required for a physician who is trained in pain management. The four-year program includes hands-on training in pharmacology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. A doctorate in anesthesiology or physical rehabilitation, psychiatry, and neurology will be awarded to the graduate. There may also be fellowship training for several years in a particular area of pain management.

Because all these areas are relevant to the overall treatment of pain, pain management includes a wide range of specialties, including psychiatry and neurology. There are many organizations that support physicians who have dedicated themselves to pain medicine. These include the American Academy of Pain Management, statewide organizations that provide funding and assistance with technology and news.

Types Of Pain

The scope of a pain management physician is broad and covers all areas of pain. Chronic pain refers to persistent pain that lasts for longer than what an acute injury such as a muscle strain or infection, or a surgical site. Pain that is not related to a previous injury or condition, such as arthritis, scoliosis and osteoporosis, can also occur. It can manifest as headaches, back pain, or referred pain if the injury to the nerves affects other parts of your body, such as the arms, legs, or lower back.

Diagnosis Equipment

It is crucial to correctly diagnose pain. X-rays, CAT scans, and MRI can be used to diagnose all types of pain. An internal medicine doctor could also order MRI. A pain management physician will have the expertise to use the equipment and to assess the results. A discography can be used to diagnose back pain as a way to check for invertebral disks. A myleogram is used to examine the nerves that leave the spinal cord. Newer technologies include MR Neurography, which can see nerves with MRI, and thermography, which measures the body's heat.

 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Important People In Anesthesia History

General Dentist Treatments

How Important Is It To Check CRNA Credentials Before Hiring?