There are many back and neck health problems that have pain as a symptom. Some conditions cause temporary pain, such as whiplash. Once the injury heals, the pain goes away. Other conditions are incurable, such as osteoarthritis, and cause chronic pain.
Many causes of chronic pain have to do with the musculoskeletal system. This is why the best doctor you can see for chronic pain is an orthopedic physician. Orthopedic specialists are experts in pain management and can effectively provide you with long-term relief from chronic pain.
Here is more information on orthopedic specialists who are experts in pain management, as well as what you can expect from your visit.
Orthopedic Specialists
If you have a heart condition, you see a cardiologist. So, if you have chronic pain in the neck or back caused by an orthopedic injury or condition, why not see the expert in the matter, an orthopedic doctor who specializes in neck and spine care?
Orthopedic specialists are medical doctors who are experts in diagnosing, treating, and management orthopedic conditions and injuries. They have a high level of training in diagnosing and treating different sources of pain. They use sophisticated techniques to identify the source of symptoms, and treat pain where it originates.
Instead of masking pain with temporary pain relievers, orthopedic physicians target it at its source using a variety of methods like spinal injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation. While other doctors may be able to provide first-line treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, orthopedic specialists can provide more effective treatment using newer, more advanced treatment methods.
What Makes an Orthopedic Doctor Good at Treating Pain?
Orthopedic doctors come from different backgrounds, but they all undergo special training in the musculoskeletal system, which makes their knowledge in-depth and extensive. During training, they study the causes of acute and chronic pain, as well as the different methods of treating it.
Orthopedic doctors are up to date on the latest advancements in symptom control. If you want to know the latest safe and effective treatments for pain and about the future of orthopedic pain management, your best resource is an orthopedic specialist.
Orthopedic specialists practice collaborative care with primary care providers and secondary care providers to give you the best possible outcomes. Treatment plans are comprehensive and usually include physical therapy and lifestyle changes such as improving sleep, losing weight, and eating healthily.
What To Expect During An Appointment with an Orthopedic Specialist
During your first appointment for neck or back pain with an orthopedic specialist, you can expect a lengthy discussion of your overall health, medical history, diet, lifestyle, and all of the medications and supplements you take. You will also detail your symptoms, and your doctor will perform a physical exam to check for visible signs of disease.
From there, your doctor will likely order diagnostic testing, such as blood work, X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to see inside the body and get more information on the cause of your symptoms. Over the next few appointments, you will work closely with your doctor to narrow down on the cause of your pain.
After accomplishing this, you will receive a diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan. Unlike other doctors, you will frequently see your orthopedic physician. Working closely with them will ensure that your treatment plan continues to be effective and that you never have to experience chronic pain in the future.
Orthopedic Specialist Care for Pain Management in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Lapeer, Michigan
If you want relief from chronic pain in your neck or back, our orthopedic specialists at Ahlgren Spine provide treatments that target pain at the source. We specialize in treating pain-causing conditions, such as spine injuries, arthritis, degenerative discs, herniated, and bulging discs.
If you have any questions about our pain management services or if you would like to schedule a consultation, call (248) 215-8080 or use our appointment request form now. We look forward to helping improve your quality of life with our pain treatments.
