Pain Management Clinic

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Overview

Chronic pain often requires both counseling and medical treatment, because it can have a wearing effect on both the body and the mind. At a pain management clinic, you can get multidisciplinary treatment from a team of specialists, including:

Physiatrists.

These medical doctors specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation. They often coordinate a chronic pain treatment team.

Psychologists or counselors.

They teach cognitive-behavioral skills for managing pain, anxiety, and depression.

Physical therapists.

They teach exercises for improving and maintaining strength, function, and mobility.

Doctors who prescribe pain medicine and are skilled in pain management devices and procedures.

These doctors include neurologists, anesthesiologists, physiatrists or physical medicine specialists, internists, and family medicine doctors.

Doctors who prescribe medicine for supporting mental health.

These doctors include psychiatrists and family medicine doctors.

Nurses or social workers.

These professionals help support and coordinate patient care.

Other specialists, such as complementary medicine providers, may also be available in a chronic pain management clinic. These specialists meet to share information and make sure that care is coordinated.

Some chronic pain clinics have a stronger emphasis on invasive treatment, such as injections and surgical procedures, than others. Look for a clinic that offers you a choice of noninvasive treatments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy. Before having an invasive pain treatment, ask your doctor about his or her experience with that treatment. Also, ask about research that shows how well it works for your condition.

Credits

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.