Pain can be a life disruptor, an uninvited guest, and a total mood killer.
In the form of throbbing back, stabbing nerve pain, or continuous headache. Pain has a way of taking over everything. But what if there was someone who could help you kick pain to the curb?
Meet the superhero of the medical world: the Pain Specialist. Let’s get to know him more to get the maximum of his services.
At Main Street Medical Centre, we recognise how debilitating pain can be. And our mission is to treat the root cause of it. Helping you take back control of your life.
Let’s know how pain specialists can help in this regard.
What is Pain Medicine? And Who is a Pain Specialist?
Pain Medicine is a medical specialty involved in diagnosing, treating, and managing different kinds of aches. It is recognised as a separate field quite recently. And the term “pain management” is also used for it.
It uses a multidisciplinary approach. Combining medical, psychological, and physical therapies to provide comprehensive care. It uses a range of diagnostics and strategies to find and treat the origin of pain.
A Pain Specialist is a doctor with advanced training in managing all types of pain. From acute to chronic. These experts identify the root cause of your pain and craft a personalised treatment plan. Including medication, therapy, or minor invasive procedures. Their goal is to relieve the pain and improve your quality of life.
Pain specialist has a huge role in medicine as complaints of pain are always there. Since the dawn of the human species. Let’s see how its management evolved over time.
History of Pain Management
Pain management started with time itself. Ancient remedies, like herbal treatment and acupuncture, laid the basis. And by the 20th century, advancements in medical research introduced modern approaches. Like anaesthesia and pharmaceuticals.
Pain management is accepted as a field of medicine in the 1960s. John Bonica, a Sicilian-American anaesthetist, is the founding father of Pain Medicine. He started the team approach for pain management and made it a multidisciplinary field.
In 1970, the “International Association for the Study of Pain” was founded as a pioneer. Followed by further associations and journals. And in 2005, pain management was introduced as a specialty of medicine in Australia. Offering the specialised pain solutions to all those who need them.
The Need for Pain Management Speciality
Here’s why pain management was needed as a separate category in the field of medicine.
- Chronic pain affects 3.2 million Australians per year.
- Chronic pain is a complex problem. And its management requires specialised knowledge and expertise.
- Pain affects patients in almost all the specialties of medicine. Whereas all specialists are not equipped to handle and understand the nuances of pain.
- Different types of pains don’t only require medications for the management. But diverse treatments are needed.
Today, pain management integrates advanced technology and holistic methods. Allowing Pain Specialists in Perth to offer innovative solutions for a range of individual needs.
What Can Be Treated by Pain Medicine Specialists?
Pain Specialists are equipped to manage a broad spectrum of conditions. Including:
| Type of Pain | Description |
| Acute pain | Pain occurring due to sudden illness, surgery or trauma, etc. |
| Chronic pain | Conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and lower back pain. |
| Neuropathic pain | Pain caused by nerve damage, such as sciatica or diabetic neuropathy. |
| Post-surgical pain | Persistent pain following surgical procedures. |
| Cancer pain | Pain resulting from tumours or cancer treatments. |
| Sports injuries | Pain linked to musculoskeletal injuries. |
At Main Street Medical Centre, our team consists of Perth Pain Specialists. To address these conditions and provide effective care to our patients.
Common Medicines Used for Treating Pain
Managing pain involves different types of medications. According to the type and severity of the condition.
Commonly prescribed options include:
| Medication | Purpose |
| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | Reducing inflammation and pain. |
| Paracetamol | Treating mild to moderate pain. |
| Opioids | Managing severe or chronic pain under strict supervision. |
| Antidepressants | Alleviating nerve pain and associated mood disorders. |
| Muscle relaxants | Relieving pain from muscle tension. |
Your Pain Specialist in Perth will carefully evaluate the needs of your condition. Along with the risks and benefits of each medication.
But drugs are not the only solution suggested by pain specialists. And several other techniques are also involved in pain management.
Other Techniques of Pain Management
Non-pharmaceutical techniques also play a crucial role in pain management. They include:
1. Physical Therapy
Improve the mobility and strengthen muscles.
2. Nerve Blocks
Temporary pain relief via targeted injections.
3. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Addresses the emotional impact of pain.
4. Acupuncture
Promote healing by stimulating specific pressure points.
5. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
Reduces pain using electrical impulses.
These treatments are offered by every Pain Management Clinic after a careful evaluation of patient’s condition.
How to Choose a Pain Specialist?
Selecting the right specialist is vital for effective pain management. Here are some tips to choose the qualified pain medicine specialist for you.
- Check the Qualifications and Experience and make sure that your doctor is a certified Pain Medicine Specialist.
- Look for clinics offering multidisciplinary care and a holistic approach.
- Read testimonials and public reviews to measure the patient satisfaction rate.
- Choose a clinic close to your location, like Pain Specialists Perth in Osborne Park.
Not only the choosing process, but the first appointment also needs special consideration. To be prepared and get the maximum benefit from the pain management services.
First Appointment with a Pain Specialist | What to Expect?
In the very visit. Your pain medicine specialist will most likely ask you the following things.
- Where is your pain? (location of body part)
- What does your pain feel like? (is it dull, aching or burning)
- How often do you feel pain? (Frequency during the day or night)
- When do you feel the pain? (with movement or at rest)
- Does your pain get better or worse with anything? (Aggravating and relieving factors)
- Have you noticed any other symptoms with pain? (like loss of bowel or bladder control)
Remember these tips to make the most of your appointment with pain specialist.
- Keep a diary detailing when, where and how you feel pain.
- Note any medications or supplements you’re currently taking.
- Think about the type of relief you want. E.g. better mobility or getting rid of medication.
- Be honest in reporting of your symptoms or other relevant details.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions about treatments, side effects, or recovery timelines.
Conclusion
Pain doesn’t have to take control of your life.
With the expertise of a Pain Specialist, you can find relief and regain independence. These professionals craft personalised plans to suit your condition. Holistically combining the medications and other advanced therapies.
They will help you in finding the cause of pain and treat it once and for all. And helping you on your journey toward a pain-free life.
Searching for an Expert Pain Specialist in Perth?
Contact Main Street Medical Centre Today
At Main Street Medical Centre, we understand the toll pain can take on your life. That’s why we partner with the most trusted Pain Specialists Perth has to offer. Our holistic patient-centred approach provides you with a comprehensive care protocol.
As a GP-owned and AGPAL-accredited practice. We blend compassion with excellence in care. So, don’t wait. Take the first step towards a brighter, pain-free future.
