Millions of Americans suffer from pain. The Pain Physical Journal noted that more than 26 million of the working population aged 20 to 64 have frequent low back pain. It also showed that individuals with back pain spend 60% more on healthcare expenses than those without. This is why partnering with the best pain treatment physician is important.
The right pain treatment specialist can help ensure that no time and money is wasted with the treatment plan chosen for you. Are you ready to find the best physician for pain in your area? Make sure to look for these five qualities when selecting a pain treatment partner.
Good credentials
Rigorous training and years of experience provide the foundation for becoming the best pain treatment physician. There are approximately 200,000 doctors dealing with pain management in the country at present. Checking their credentials will assure you they’re qualified to prescribe safe and effective treatment.
Try to get information about:
- Professional history: Where did they go to school? Did they graduate from a legitimate medical school?
- Professional license: Can the doctor legally practice his profession?
- Medical malpractice: Did the doctor receive any complaints regarding his service? Were any lawsuits filed against him? This is considered a red flag and should be avoided.
- Years of experience: If what you’re feeling seems to be more than ordinary back pain, you need someone with extensive experience. You might want to look for a doctor with at least 5 years of experience in managing pain.
- Specialization: Check if the doctor specializes in caring for patients suffering from back pain. They may also be focused on some areas such as nerve pain, chronic pain, or lower back pain.
Excellent communication skills
Listening
It’s not advisable to have a doctor with poor communication skills, no matter how qualified he is.
First, your chosen doctor should be a good listener. They should first ask questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and what you want to achieve from the treatment. They can’t give any advice if he doesn’t take the time to listen to you.
Willing to Educate
There are several terms used in managing back pain that most patients don’t understand. Your lack of medical background shouldn’t hinder you from understanding your health issue. This is crucial for you to make informed decisions about your treatment plan.
The best pain treatment physician will try to explain complex medical terms to his patients. They should also thoroughly discuss your medical condition and treatment options. The right physician will make sure that you have a clear picture of the situation. They will explain the risks, benefits, or drawbacks to help you make an informed decision.
Shows empathy
Bedside manners shouldn’t be overlooked when choosing the best pain treatment physician. You’re already suffering from pain. You will also feel anxious about the possible consequences of your condition, such as immobility. An empathetic doctor will help ease the situation.
An empathetic doctor is sensitive to your concerns. They will help identify and address your questions and give reassurance and firm guidance. It is vital that you have confidence in the treatment process and feel comfortable with your healthcare team.
Offers several treatment options
The underlying condition behind each patient’s back pain is unique; therefore, the treatment must be tailored to it. Although there are “best practices” in the industry, you must still be given options on your treatment. Some examples of back pain treatments are:
- Chiropractic approach (spinal decompression therapy, spinal manipulation)
- Medication (over-the-counter, prescription, corticosteroid injections)
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Laser spine surgery
- Physical therapy (strength-building exercises, hot and cold therapy)
You might encounter doctors who seem biased on one treatment approach over others. A doctor who truly cares for you chooses what’s best for you rather than what’s best for their practice.
Receives good feedback from patients
Reviews and information about medical services are readily available on the Internet. Check out these resources before committing to a doctor or facility.
Patient testimonials and online reviews give valuable insights into patient experience, quality of care, and overall satisfaction.
Always be vigilant when going through the reviews. Don’t only look at the number of stars beside the doctor’s name. Often, the negative reviews have nothing to do with the medical care provided. Some people are unethical and use these reviews to malign a business for selfish reasons. For that reason, try talking to two or three patients of your potential doctor. Ask them about their experience and if they’ll still consider them for their follow-up check-up.
Get Back Pain Relief at Pain Treatment Institute
Selecting your back pain doctor requires careful consideration. Although it may seem inconvenient, you must take your time to evaluate your potential doctor. Your overall health and well-being are worth the time and effort.
The Pain Treatment Institute understands how back pain can affect your quality of life. With a team of qualified health professionals and modern pain management techniques, we are the best at what we do. Book your initial consultation today.
