FAQ
Is PAIN MANAGEMENT CLINIC same as a physiotherapy clinic?
No, Pain Management doctor is a MBBS, MD qualified doctor which is very different from a physiotherapy doctor. In a PAIN clinic patients pain is thoroughly analysed and cured using nerve root blocks unlike a physiotherapy clinic where physical therapy and modalities are used to treat pain. Physiotherapy can be a part of PAIN Clinic where after the interventions patient is advised stretching and strengthening exercises.
Does PAIN MANAGEMENT clinic involve acupuncture/panchkarma?
NO, Pain management doctor is a purely ALLOPATHIC doctor and does not practice Panchakarma.
What is a pain management clinic?
Pain management clinic is specialized clinic where any patient in chronic pain is thoroughly analysed regards to the cause of pain and then treated using various drugs and interventions.
What do I expect in my consultation with the pain doctor?
Pain doctor after a thorough history taking about the finer details of your pain will help diagnose the cause of pain and work out a treatment plan for you.
What should I take with me when I meet the doctor?
All your previous doctor consultations, diagnostic reports like X-Ray. MRI, CT SCAN, USG reports, Blood reports should be carried with you. Also if any surgery ,interventions undergone discharge card of the same should be carried along with you.
Does pain management involve only injections, interventions, nerve blocks?
A pain doctor just does not give injections,interventions. His training involves clinically examining the patient and to give injections only if beneficial for the patient.
Is the treatment temporary/permanent?
A block may sometimes be given to identify the cause of pain and may have temporary relief. However therapeutic proceres done including radio frequency ablation procedures have long lasting effect in well selected patients and when followed by good physiotherapy.
Is this treatment an internationally accepted practice?
Pain Management is a widely accepted branch worldwide although in INDIA it is being practiced since 2-3 decades. However with the increasing awareness it is now well accepted in India too.
Will I be able to avoid surgery totally?
In well selected and evaluated patients pain management treatment has helped patients to avoid surgical option. This depends on patient to patient and severity of the disease. In certain situations, surgery is essential. But it is worthwhile to try pain management before surgery.
If I have post spine surgery pain can it be treated?
Yes there is a condition called Failed back surgery syndrome which happens in 20-30%of patients following spine surgery and have benefits with pain management blocks and advanced techniques like spinal cord stimulators.
If pain specialist is an Anaesthesiologist can I take epidural from any anaesthesiologist?
Pain management is now a super speciality in Anaesthesia. A pain specialist receives a formal training for 1-2 years after which after clearing the required exams is qualified to practice.hence it would be advisable to see a pain specialist with the required training and experience
How much time it takes for the entire injection procedure?
Depending on the intervention to be carried out in the operation theatre. It takes around 45-60 minutes in total, Advanced pain procedures like spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal drug delivery systems take few hours for the implantation.
Will the injection be very painful?
Not at all, you will be given local anaesthesia first and then given the nerve blocks.
How many epidural injections are to be taken?
Depending on the severity of the pain and disease, injections sometimes need to be repeated.
Are all pain procedures covered in health insurance policies?
Most of the pain procedures are covered by all health insurance policies .A few are covered under day care too however 1-2 days hospitalization is needed for Advanced Pain procedures.
What is the difference between a pain management specialist and an Orthopedic / Spine specialist?
PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
A PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST is a MD doctor specialized in pain management and treating pain in all forms which include musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain,cancer pain,any pain greater than 3 months. The doctors concentrate on finding the right treatment for the specific pain. These treatments include pharmacotherapy , interventions and rehabilitation .
ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON
An orthopedic surgeon treats conditions impacting the musculoskeletal system. They can also perform surgical and non surgical treatments to alleviate pain.
Who should you visit?
Your condition will likely determine which specialist is better suited to treat your pain. In case of acute conditions like trauma, fall, injuries,orthopedic surgeons can suggest treatment options. However in chronic conditions when the pain does not subside with conservative options, a pain management specialist can help you better . Chronic conditions such spine pain, neuropathic pain, cancer pain, joint pains can be treated non surgically using various interventions and Rehabilitation.