Are you looking for a pain management doctor to help manage your pain and improve your quality of life? Pain management specialists are doctors who deal with specific types of pain, such as neck pain or back pain. They often collaborate with other health professionals, such as nurses, doctors, psychologists, physical therapists and nutritionists.

In addition to prescribing medications, pain management doctors may also recommend a variety of alternative physical, behavioral and psychological therapies. To ensure the best results, here are three things to look for when adding a pain specialist to your care team.

Experience and success in treating your type of pain.  

Pain management doctors are often comfortable working with various types of pain, but it’s still important to discuss your specific symptoms. For example, some doctors specialize in back and neck pain, headaches and migraines or neuropathic pain.

Talk to the doctor about your pain and what types of therapies are usually effective. If you see that the doctor is confident in treating your pain and has been able to help others like you, it’s a good sign that you can move forward with them.

Willingness to work with your care team.

If you suffer from a chronic condition, you probably have a care team that addresses various aspects of your health. Good pain management specialists are happy to collaborate with their clients’ care teams because they know this leads to better outcomes.

Don’t just ask the doctor if they’re willing to work with your care team. Take note of how they interact and communicate with you. Do they return your phone calls? Do they send prescriptions to your pharmacy right away? A doctor who has poor communication with you, or always seems to be in a rush, will probably be the same way with others.

Access to a wide range of therapies.

Another thing to look for in a pain management doctor is access to numerous therapies and treatments. This way, if one treatment is ineffective, the doctor can recommend something else. You are a unique person, and cookie cutter protocols are never effective. It’s likely that you will need a combination of medications and therapies to manage your pain and prevent flare-ups.

Jersey Rehab and Pain Management is a pain center that works with all types of pain, including neck and back pain, elbow pain, shoulder pain and general body pain. Whether your discomfort is caused by an injury, illness or something unknown, we can help you manage your symptoms and live a better quality of life. Contact us today at one of our four locations or schedule your appointment online.