Migraine attacks are a real source of nuisance. They involve extreme, throbbing pain that may come with vomiting, nausea, light sensitivity, and loss of appetite. Data from the Migraine Research Foundation shows that almost 1 out of 4 US households has someone with migraine. You must consult a migraine doctor near me to get specialized care for migraine and its related symptoms.
Recognizing Migraine From a Simple Headache
It’s important to be familiar with your personal headache symptoms, what’s normal, and what’s already an emergency. Look out for the following symptoms that require that you need immediate medical attention.
A new, sudden, severe headache accompanied with:
Falling, sudden loss of balance, dizziness, weakness, numbness, or tingling
Speech difficulty, confusion, seizures, inappropriate behavior, or sudden change in personality
Impaired vision (blurred, double vision) or blind spots
Pain that disturbs your sleep
Sudden or severe vomiting or nausea
Unequal pupil size
The eyelid is drooping on one side
Difficulty in standing up even if holding to an immobile object
Difficulty talking or comprehending others who are speaking
You may already be used to dealing with migraines on your own. Check if the episodes worsened or became more frequent. Consider looking for a migraine doctor near me if you notice odd patterns such as:
Headache that occurred after an accident or head trauma
A different type of headache that began for the first time beyond the age of 50
Headaches triggered by bending, coughing, sexual activity, or other strenuous physical activity.
Your pain significantly impacts your quality of life
There is a noticeable change in the symptoms or pattern of migraine attacks
You experience three or more headaches each week
You require pain relievers daily or almost daily to manage your headache
You require at least two to three doses of pain relievers each week
How Can a Migraine Doctor Help With Your Pain?
Migraine is considered a neurological disorder. Neurologists focusing on nervous system disorders are the best health professionals to consult on your condition. They will rule out potential neurological conditions that produce similar symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.
Neurologists are also updated on innovative treatments for migraine attacks. They will develop a suitable treatment plan. They will also fine-tune the dosages of medications that are beneficial for you.
They’re usually on the lookout for new discoveries in their field. They will update you on current information, such as treatment options. This depends on factors such as your age, frequency of migraine attacks, severity, symptoms, and medical history. Your treatment plan may include:
Medications
Lifestyle medications such as avoiding migraine triggers or managing stress
Hormones, especially if the attacks are associated to the menstrual cycle in women
Alternative medicine
What to Expect for Your First Consult With a Migraine Doctor Near Me
Your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical exam and neurological tests. The tests will depend on your symptoms. These may include:
CT scan: to detect any bleeding, structural problems, spinal problems, or tumors that might cause the migraine.
MRI: performed in case of a recent head injury that might cause the migraine. This can also be an alternative to CT scan to identify structural problems or tumors
EEG: to measure brainwaves and confirm epilepsy or other brain disorders.
Eye exam: to detect signs of concussion or other neurological damage
Spinal tap: to confirm if the patient has an infection, tumor, or disorder like Guillan-Barre syndrome
Lab tests: blood tests or urinalysis will help rule out diseases like diabetes or thyroid disease
Preparing for Your First Appointment
According to experts, a key tool in diagnosis is an accurate headache history. Providing a complete history can help identify triggers and possible solutions. Before going to your first appointment, make sure that you’ve thought about the following:
When did the migraine occur? What makes it go away?
Does light, sound, or noise bother you during these headaches?
Are there any changes in your eyesight prior to or during these headaches?
How well did you sleep the night before the migraine attack?
If you’re a woman, when did the migraine occur with respect to your menstrual cycle?
What are the activities you were doing before the migraine attacks began?
What was your previous diagnosis, and what are the treatments you tried?
The Pain Treatment Institute Has the Best Migraine Doctor Near Me
For many people, migraine is a chronic illness that greatly affects their quality of life. Some try to manage this on their own, which results in medication overuse. This is the main reason why an episodic migraine becomes chronic. It’s strongly recommended to leave your care in the hands of a health professional.
The Pain Treatment Institute has a team of doctors specializing in pain that can help with your suffering. We will assess, diagnose, and provide the best treatment options suited to your case. Book an appointment with us today.
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:
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.
Is your back acting up lately? Back pain is common and affects a person’s quality of life. In fact, it is the primary cause of work limitations all over the world. Around 50-80% of individuals experience at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime.
It may only involve specific locations such as the lower back, neck area, and the upper back. Some experience pain in the entire back. Most cases resolve quickly without treatment. At some point, you’ll start to wonder if you’ll continue resorting to home remedies or it’s already time to consult a back pain doctor.
What Can Cause Back Pain?
Several things can cause back pain, from a strenuous workout to kidney stones. Other common reasons include:
An injured disk (acts like a cushion between the bones of the spine)
Strained muscle or injured muscle
Broken bone due to osteoporosis
Arthritis
Scoliosis
Sciatica
Ankylosing spondylitis
Sacroiliitis
Long periods of standing or sitting (usually seen in office employees)
Things to Consider When Deciding to Consult a Back Pain Doctor
Severity and duration of back pain
Most cases are acute, meaning the pain disappears after a few weeks. If the pain is intense or doesn’t improve after two weeks, it’s time to consult a back pain doctor. Take note if you also feel the following symptoms:
Pain is intense or constant, especially in the evening or when lying down
The pain spreads down to one side or both legs or if it extends below the knee
Other symptoms that come with the pain
Additional symptoms may accompany the pain, which may indicate an underlying issue that needs to be checked further.
Numbness, tingling, or weakness is felt in one or both legs
Loss of sensation, tingling, or numbness in an arm that wasn’t present before
Having a hard time in passing or controlling passing stool
Redness or swelling on the back
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Eye issues such as pain, blurred vision, or light sensitivity
Physical trauma
Seek emergency medical care if your pain starts after an accident or a physical event. You will be prone to malalignment or fractures, especially as you get older. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive exam to assess the pain and any injuries that may contribute to it.
No improvement is seen with the current treatment
Contact your doctor again if your current treatment plan doesn’t improve after three months. They may change the current plan or add another medication. Otherwise, they will refer you to a specialist, such as a back pain doctor for further examination and treatment.
Your primary care doctor will initially prescribe over-the-counter painkillers like NSAIDs or a heating pad. If your condition is serious or complicated, a back pain doctor may recommend advanced treatment options:
Physiotherapy
Osteopathic or chiropractic treatment
Therapeutic injection
Steroid injections that are administered with X-ray guidance and the patient is under sedation
Surgical intervention
Radiofrequency ablation to resolve pain coming from arthritic spinal joints
Surgical intervention will only be considered if the pain is chronic an unmanageable, and all other options have failed. The only exception would be if the case is a medical emergency.
A condition in which this exception is applicable is Cauda equina syndrome. It’s a condition caused by compression of the spinal nerve roots. If not treated, this may result in leg paralysis, incontinence, and loss of sensation of the sexual organs. This kind of back pain needs immediate medical care and can be classified as a medical emergency.
Things to Expect on Your First Appointment With a Back Pain Doctor
The doctor will get your medical history. They will ask questions about the intensity of the pain you feel. They will also check on how easy it is for you to stand, sit, or move around. This will help them determine where the pain is coming from. It’s also important to check what worsens the pain and if anything helps alleviate it.
Other tests may also be required, such as:
CT or MRI Scans to identify problems in bones, tissue, disks, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels
Xray to identify broken bones or arthritis
Electromyography (EMG) to see how the muscles react to electric impulses from the nerves.
Blood tests to check for infection
Bone scan to find breaks or tumors due to osteoporosis
The Pain Treatment Institute Has Topnotch Back Pain Doctors in Texas
Back pain can hinder you from doing your daily activities. It can also become debilitating. In most cases, it resolves on its own. If your back pain seems to be worsening or not improving, it’s highly imperative to consult a back pain doctor.
The Pain Treatment Institute has extensive experience treating back pain. We use the best pain management care for our patients. If you are near one of our clinics in McKinney, Mesquite, Frisco, Plano, Rockwall, or Sherman, book an appointment with us today.
Neck pain is a condition characterized by pain or discomfort in the neck area. A number of things, such as degenerative diseases, bad posture, muscle strain, and herniated discs, can cause it. It can range in severity from minor to severe.
Neck pain is a common problem that affects a large percentage of people. According to studies, between 30 and 50 percent of adults in the general population suffer from neck pain annually.
Because of its prevalence, neck pain cure-alls are a dime a dozen. However, you must seek certified neck pain experts for treatments instead of using DIY hacks. Seeking help from neck pain professionals eliminates the risk of things going wrong when easing your neck pain.
It’s critical to take into account a few things when choosing a neck pain expert.
3 Types of Professionals Who Could Help With Neck Pain
When suffering from neck pain, you have to choose the correct healthcare professional to suit your situation. It is also crucial that you choose the right type of professional with the correct qualifications to prevent further harm:
Doctors
They can identify and address any underlying medical issues that may be causing your neck pain and prescribe medicines.
Massage Therapists
They focus on reducing tension and improving circulation in the affected region via massage techniques.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists focus on musculoskeletal issues and aim to ease pain and discomfort by utilizing exercises and manual therapy.
What Qualifications Does a Neck Pain Expert Need?
One cannot overstate the importance of selecting an expert who is both licensed and insured.
A license guarantees that the professional has completed the required coursework and training for said profession. Plus, insurance offers security against unexpected issues or malpractice lawsuits.
When you choose a licensed and insured neck pain specialist, you may feel more secure and comfortable knowing that your chosen expert spent years in study and practice as all pain management specialists do.
Why Should You Pick an Experienced Neck Pain Expert?
The experience a pain management professional has is quite important when choosing one to treat neck pain. An experienced practitioner is probably familiar with many kinds of cases, which means they can:
Accurately diagnose neck issues.
More experienced professionals can identify the root of neck pain, even if the symptoms are complex. This is because their experience allows them to see a number of cases that may not be typical.
Craft effective treatment plans.
Due to their experience, they can also provide treatment plans tailored to each patient, no matter how complex the issue is.
When evaluating a professional’s experience, take into account the following things:
Certifications, licenses, and specializations.
The number of patients successfully treated.
Testimonials and reviews from patients.
Length of time in the profession.
What Neck Pain Treatments Should You Look For?
There are many ways to manage neck pain, including:
Exercises under supervision
Certain neck exercise regimens can help alleviate pain, strengthen the muscles in the neck, and enhance one’s posture.
Manual Physical Therapy
Massages, physical manipulation, and mobilization can help release tight neck muscles and increase the range of motion in the area.
Medications
Neck pain and inflammation can be managed with painkillers (prescription or OTC), anti-inflammatory medication, or muscle relaxants.
Surgical Procedures
In extreme situations, some conditions may require surgical intervention to be addressed. Spinal stenosis, herniated discs, injuries, and more are some of the few neck issues that require surgical procedures.
Why Choose a Neck Pain Expert?
Trained specialists can easily identify the root cause of your neck pain. This can help you receive the appropriate treatment, making the healing process more effective for you. They can personalize your treatment plan in a way that incorporates your wants and needs.
An effective treatment plan can help improve your quality of life by easing your pain and discomfort. It can get rid of not just the symptoms but the cause itself. Whether they reduce muscle tension or improve joint mobility, an expert could help you relieve discomfort well.
Selecting a trained and skilled neck pain specialist shows how involved you are in your own treatment. A qualified neck pain specialist can offer customized care plans, individualized therapy, and regular assistance. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Get yourself started on the path to a life free of neck pain.
Contact a Neck Pain Expert Now at the Pain Treatment Institute.
Neck pain specialists assist people with persistent neck pain improve their overall well-being by relieving their discomfort.
It is recommended that you consult with a specialist as soon as possible if you experience pain around your neck. Such specialists play a crucial role in helping their patients live better, neck pain-free lives.
Get help from our skilled neck pain specialists by getting in touch with the Pain Treatment Institute today! Make an appointment with us and tell us how we can help you deal with your neck pain.
Are you experiencing the horrible effects of joint pain? You know how hard it is to go about your daily tasks like household chores or exercise. With so many health professionals and specializations available, deciding who to consult about your problem is complex. In this article, we’ll explain the different between a joint pain specialist and other specialists.
When Should You Consult a Joint Pain Specialist?
Most people consult their primary care physician for their initial diagnosis. They would then receive a referral to a joint pain specialist for a closer examination.
The doctors specializing in joint pain are orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists.
Consult a rheumatologist for joint pain if:
You feel pain in several joints.
The pain felt isn’t connected to an injury.
You also have psoriasis.
Your joint pain is accompanied by morning stiffness, chest pain, fatigue, fever, or rash.
The pain felt started after a tick bite.
Consult an orthopedic surgeon if:
Your joint pain began after an injury.
You feel severe joint pain that affects your daily activities.
You have arthritis that is moderate or advanced in stage.
Your current treatment plan for joint pain is not working.
How Do Rheumatologists and Orthopedists Differ in Managing Pain?
Although both doctors treat the same areas, they differ in how they manage your pain.
Rheumatologists examine the whole body when searching for the cause of your pain. An orthopedist concentrates on congenital disease, injuries, and degenerative conditions.
In terms of treatment, orthopedists perform surgery, but rheumatologists do not.
Rheumatologists specialize in non-surgical treatment of arthritis. A range of medications is prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. They also undergo special training for treating musculoskeletal conditions due to inflammation or autoimmune disease.
Training Needed to Become a Joint Pain Specialist
A rheumatologist’s training begins with a bachelor’s degree. He then goes to medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine degree. He may also opt to earn a Doctor of Osteopathy degree or DO. Osteopathic doctors have a holistic approach that also looks at the patient’s mind, body, and spirit.
After medical school, a three-year residency focusing on internal medicine must be completed. Doctors must successfully pass the internal medicine board exam to subspecialize.
Before becoming a doctor, a rheumatologist must complete a 2-to-3-year fellowship. This is a subspecialty training that focuses on musculoskeletal and inflammatory/autoimmune diseases.
Rheumatologists take a comprehensive exam to become board certified. They also take a recertification exam every ten years and need to undergo continuing medical education to maintain their board certification.
What to Expect During Your Visit to a Joint Pain Specialist
Your initial visit involves the collection of medical and family history, physical examination, and running specific tests. Make sure to prepare to help your doctor diagnose your condition adequately. Be ready with the following:
List of symptoms that made you consult a joint pain specialist
Past imaging test results
Past blood work results
Complete list of medications you’re currently taking. This includes any vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medications like analgesics.
Medical history, such as allergies
Family medical history – especially known cases of rheumatic diseases.
After the initial exam, additional testing might be ordered to investigate your condition further. The rheumatologist would also want to test for high antibodies to confirm autoimmune disorders.
Musculoskeletal problems are diagnosed using one of the following imaging tests:
X-ray
CT scan
MRI Scan
Ultrasound
The data collected will help develop an appropriate treatment plan. The doctor will also discuss with you regarding:
Coping mechanism for having a condition like rheumatoid arthritis
Steps to regaining function or preventing disability
How to improve quality of life
How to prevent disease progression
You and Your Doctor Will Be Working Together for a Long Time
Other specialists will only see you for only when the need arises. They may also send you again to your primary care physician for follow-up care. This is not true for rheumatologists. In fact, they may become your doctor for life.
After they have confirmed the correct diagnosis, lab work ensures you take the right medication. They will also see you regularly, approximately every 2 to 3 months. You will normally see them more than your primary care physician. They may even become your primary care doctor.
Meet the Best Joint Pain Specialists at Pain Treatment Institute.
When it comes to dealing with pain, every second counts. The earlier you get your disease diagnosed, the sooner you can be freed from physical suffering. The Pain Treatment Institute has top-notch health professionals in Texas. Book an appointment with us today to take a step towards a better quality of life.
Pain is an unpleasant feeling or physical suffering caused by bodily harm or tissue damage. It can be classified into two different types: acute and chronic. Acute pain is a sharp, sudden, and stinging pain, while chronic pain is dull and lasts for longer periods over months. Unfortunately, pain is something we encounter at least once in our lives.
Suffering from pain can greatly impact one’s movements, which can hamper their quality of life. With the presence of pain, chronic or otherwise, movement can be limited and independence lessened.
Luckily, there are professionals trained to help patients deal with pain.
What are Pain Management Physicians?
A pain management physician is a medical professional who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of pain. They help people regain their quality of life by alleviating the chronic pain that they feel by treating them with various methods.
They Can Help Evaluate and Diagnose the Cause of Pain.
Before a pain management physician can treat a patient, they must evaluate and diagnose the root cause of the pain first. To do this, they must look into a patient’s medical history and examine them thoroughly via physical assessment or imaging tests.
They have to find the underlying cause of pain to truly ease it. A diagnosis allows the physician to figure out and treat the source of pain, not just its symptoms. Having a clear diagnosis allows them to create a treatment plan fully tailored to the specific issue.
Without a proper diagnosis, pain prevention measures can be taken but will not cease its recurrence completely.
Pain Management Physicians Can Treat the Cause of Pain and Help in Managing Pain Symptoms.
After determining the cause of pain, a pain management physician can begin personalizing a treatment plan for their patient. These treatment plans may involve medications, nerve blockers, and physical therapy, depending on the cause of pain.
Pain management treatments vary wildly between patients. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when managing pain. If anyone tries to give you such an offer, it is best to be wary and steer clear of them.
Pain management specialists employ a range of methods in their treatment plans. These include medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and pain psychology. Some specific treatments include:
Cortisone shots
Epidural steroid injections
Radiofrequency ablation
Sacroiliac joint injection
Spinal cord stimulation
Trigger point injections
Common Conditions Treated by a Pain Management Physician
There are a lot of physical injuries and ailments that can cause pain and discomfort to individuals. Because of that, pain doctors typically treat a wide range of issues that people commonly suffer from. These can include issues that cause both chronic and acute pain.
Here are a few common causes of pain typically dealt with by a pain management physician:
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Pain Management Physician?
Aside from pain relief, there are many more pros in getting treated by a knowledgeable pain doctor. Here are some examples of possible benefits you can enjoy by getting treated by a pain management specialist:
Your quality of life will improve.
When a pain doctor helps remove the cause of pain, the symptoms typically follow suit. Treatment typically reduces pain and suffering, improving a person’s function and mobility. This leads to a better mental state and more independence, and a better quality of life.
Your healthcare costs will not be as high.
Pain doctors analyze your issue in depth, leading to more accurate diagnoses. This prevents you from going through unnecessary procedures that can set you back thousands of dollars.
If a pain doctor diagnoses and treats you early on, you can save a lot of money by preventing further issues that can cost more.
Care is personalized and highly in-depth, depending on your situation.
A pain management doctor will tailor a treatment plan specifically for you and your condition. This plan will focus not only on the methods of relieving pain but also on your needs, wants, and general preferences in treatment.
Get in Touch with a Pain Doctor Today at the Pain Treatment Institute.
By providing pain relief, pain management professionals help promote the general well-being of those suffering from chronic pain.
If you suffer from chronic pain or other types of pain, it is best that you get in touch with a professional today. They are essential in assisting their patients in getting a better quality of life despite their pain.
Contact the Pain Treatment Institute today to get our experienced pain management doctors to assist you. Our team is committed to providing you with only the best personalized professional pain management care possible. Schedule an appointment with us today, and let us know how we can further assist you.
