How Much Do You Actually Know About Pain Management?

There is a lot of misinformation about pain management and pain management clinics. How much do you really understand about it? Take the below quiz to find out!

Questions:

1. True or False: Pain clinics only give out opioids.
2. True or False: Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture or meditation, cannot help with pain management.
3. True or False: Over-the-counter pain medications are always safe to use and do not have any side effects.

Answers:

1. False: This is a common misunderstanding. Many of these clinics don't prescribe opioids at all. Rather, they evaluate the patient as a whole and prescribe an individualized plan that can include modalities, physical therapy, interventional procedures, medication, or surgical recommendations. Opioids are only one of the many tools available to obtain relief, and in some cases, are not indicated at all.
2. False: Alternative therapies can be very effective in managing pain, and can be used in conjunction with traditional management methods. 
3. False: Over-the-counter pain medications can have side effects, and should be used carefully and according to the instructions on the label. It's also important to talk to your doctor before taking any new medication.

So what does a referral to a pain clinic mean?

These clinics clinics are often misunderstood as places that focus only on prescribing opioid medications. In reality, this field is a comprehensive, patient-centered specialty that uses many evidence-based treatments to reduce discomfort and improve function. These clinics emphasize identifying the root cause of pain and creating individualized treatment plans that may include physical therapy, interventional procedures (such as injections or nerve blocks), non-opioid medications, lifestyle modifications, and behavioral therapies. Opioids, when used, are carefully selected, closely monitored, and typically only one small part of the patient's broader plan.

The goal of pain management is not simply relief, but helping patients regain mobility, return to daily activities, and improve overall quality of life safely and responsibly.

Call Pain Medicine Group today to schedule an evaluation with a board-certified pain medicine physician near you today at 1-877-456-PAIN. 

Author

Mauna Radahd, MD