If you find yourself searching for “pain management doctors near me,” then there are some things you should know as you are conducting your search.
Pain management doctors specialize in the treatment of pain, and they can help patients with chronic or acute pain conditions such as arthritis, back problems, headaches, migraines, fibromyalgia, nerve damage, sports injuries, etc. They also treat people who have had surgery that has left them feeling uncomfortable or unable to function normally due to their post-surgical recovery period.
Not all pain management doctors provide the same pain treatment services. Some focus on treating only one type of condition while others may offer a variety of treatments—depending upon what is causing the patient’s discomfort. It is important to understand this before choosing which doctor will be best suited to handle your care
In this article, we will examine how to find the best pain management doctor for your specific needs.
What To Look For in a Pain Management Doctor?
When looking for a pain management doctor, it is very important to consider several factors when selecting an appropriate physician. These include:
Experience – How long has the doctor been practicing medicine? This includes both experience working with specific types of medical issues and overall experience providing care to patients suffering from various health ailments. If possible, look at how many years they have worked in their field. You want someone who knows exactly what they are doing so you don’t end up getting hurt during your treatment.
Education – What level of education does the doctor hold? Do they possess a degree in any particular area of study related to healthcare? Are they certified by a professional organization like the American Board of Medical Specialties? Do they belong to other organizations dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare provided to patients? A good way to determine if a doctor belongs to these groups is to check out their membership card.
Availability – Find out if the prospective doctor is available to see patients after hours. Can they accommodate emergency situations where immediate attention is required? Will they accept insurance plans? All of these questions need to be answered prior to scheduling an appointment.
Location – Where do they practice? Is it close enough to home so you won’t feel too inconvenienced by having to travel to get treated? Also, make sure that the location is convenient for you since you may need to go there multiple times per week.
Cost – Finally, ask about the price. While most physicians charge similar fees regardless of whether they’re seeing a large number of patients or just a few, you might discover that certain specialists tend to charge more than others. In addition, costs vary based on the procedures being performed. Ask about those details as well.
5 Sure-fire Ways To Find The Best Pain Management Doctors
Now that you know some things to keep in mind when searching for a pain management specialist, here are five tips that should help you locate the right person for the job.
1. Ask Your Primary Care Physician For a Referral
A good, reputable physician will always be able to recommend a colleague they work closely with who specializes in dealing with your condition or concerns. This will always be a good starting point since you’ll have peace of mind knowing that they already have a good relationship with one another.
Additionally, your primary care physician will already be very familiar with your medical history and will be able to direct you to a pain management doctor who specializes in the type of care you need.
2. Look For Reliable Information About Pain Management Clinics Online
There are many online directories that can help you when searching for “pain management doctors near me.” These directories allow you to search both by specialty and by location.
- U.S. News – This online resource allows you to find the best pain management doctor in your area. All you have to do is enter your zip code and choose between several types of specialties.
- Vitals– Another great resource, Vitals’ pain management doctor directory contains over 100,000 prescreened physicians. It also allows you to compare several doctors at once. Here’s how it works: after entering the basics of your search (state / zip code / distance), you’ll be asked to choose between general practitioners, orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, neurologists, etc. As you select each one, you’ll notice that the results change to show pain management professionals who specialize in those particular areas only.
- Healthgrades– Here, you can find ratings and reviews written by actual patients regarding different providers. They provide this service free of charge.
- RateMDs– This online resource is similar to Healthgrades. It also offers reviews of local doctors, including pain management specialists.
If you are searching for a pain management specialist in the Western Tennessee/North Mississippi area then consider visiting a MidSouth Pain clinic. We have clinic locations in Cordova and Jackson, TN and in Oxford, Tupelo, and Southhaven, MS.
3. Get Help From Pain Support Groups
Pain support groups and forums are an excellent way to get information from other people who may have been through what you are going through now. You can learn so much from these communities because everyone has their own unique experiences and perspectives. Plus, if there isn’t anyone else nearby who understands exactly what you’re experiencing, you can still benefit from reading posts shared by others.
Also, pain support groups are great at sharing important resources including doctor recommendations and alternative treatment information. You might even have an opportunity to speak to someone who’s been through what you’re currently going through. This can help you to feel less alone which makes recovery a little easier.
4. Check Palliative Care Centers For a List of Providers in Your Area
Palliative care centers can help in your search for a pain management doctor because they often have extremely detailed directories of medical professionals in the area. They may also be able to recommend someone who specializes in your condition specifically.
It is common for palliative care centers to be overlooked as a resource for discovering pain management providers. This is because palliative care is meant to deal with end-of-life care issues. However, many of these centers also offer services for patients who are dealing with chronic pain, cancer, and other painful illnesses.
So when you’re searching for pain management clinics, make sure to check out local palliative care centers. The staff may be able to recommend the perfect provider for your situation.
5. Connect With Pain Advocacy Organizations
There are numerous organizations dedicated to helping individuals cope with chronic pain. This includes advocacy groups. Here are some of the most high-profile organizations that can help you find the right doctor and provide you with helpful resources.
- U.S. Pain Foundation– This organization is dedicated to helping patients who are dealing with chronic pain. They offer events, conferences, and more to make life easier for individuals who endure pain on a daily basis.
- Patient Mind Inc.– This blog provides the latest news on politics, healthcare, and new treatments for chronic pain. It also connects patients to helpful resources.
- Chronic Pain Research Alliance– This organization provides support and resources to patients and their loved ones. It also works to increase public awareness about chronic pain.
- American Chronic Pain Association– This group aims to educate the public about issues related to chronic pain. They also offer helpful resources like educational materials, an online magazine, and even a network of support groups. This is another great way to find pain management clinics.
These resources will give you access to helpful advice and tips from fellow sufferers. And since most of them are run by volunteers, you won’t feel pressured into buying anything.
Conclusion
Finding a good pain management doctor should not be difficult; but it does require some effort. So don’t just settle for any old physician. Instead, take time to find one that works best for you.
So while when you search “pain management doctors near me” keep in mind these tips and guidelines which will help you find the best provider for your needs.
The pain management experts at MidSouth Pain are ready to create a treatment plan that addresses your unique concerns whether they are chronic back pain, neck pain, or anything else that is troubling you. They offer a number of treatment options including non-invasive, non-opioid treatments as well as surgical solutions.
You don’t have to live in pain. You can improve your quality of life. Schedule an appointment today.
