Ten questions to help you choose a pain specialist

Just as there are many causes and types of pain, there are many ways of treating it. Temporary, acute pain often can be alleviated with a couple aspirins. Long-lasting, debilitating, chronic pain may be handled best by a pain specialist skilled in a wide variety of treatments.

Pain Specialist



Choosing a specialist will take some work. Find answers to these 10 questions to figure out who's best for you.

Video: Coping with Chronic Pain

Question 1: Does the specialist offer free consultations?

Chances are slim that a pain specialist could diagnose your ailment and make an initial recommendation for treatment without meeting you in person. Ideally, such a consultation will be free of charge. It doesn't hurt to ask.

Question 2: What conditions does the specialist treat?

Some specialists claim to be able to treat all forms of pain, and in truth they may be qualified to do so. Others focus on pain resulting from sports injuries and do not treat migraine headaches. Once you have a diagnosis, you can seek out a professional who specializes in treating your particular type of pain.

Question 3: How does the specialist treat pain?

The following treatments are among the most common.

  • Acupuncture remains controversial but seems to help some patients.
  • Biofeedback trains you to become aware of and gain control over your pain.
  • Chiropractic care involves hands-on manipulation of joints.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy utilizes coping skills and relaxation methods.
  • Counseling offers psychological support.
  • Electrical stimulation subjects nerves and muscles to pulses delivered through the skin.
  • Exercise can contribute to an overall sense of well-being.
  • Hypnosis is thought by some of its practitioners to relieve pain by acting on chemicals in the nervous system.
  • Injections. Local anesthetics can be injected around nerves or into joints.
  • Medications. Drug-related therapies include
    • Analgesics.
    • Anticonvulsants.
    • Antidepressants.
    • Capsaicin, a chemical found in chili peppers.
    • COX-2 inhibitors.
    • Narcotics.
  • Physical therapy uses heat, cold, exercise, massage and manipulation.
  • Surgery may be required to relieve pain, especially that caused by musculoskeletal damage.

Question 4: What kinds of professionals work with the specialist?

Learn about the people. A complete pain-management team can include the following:

  • Physician with expertise in pain management.
  • Registered nurse.
  • Physical/massage therapist.
  • Biofeedback therapist.
  • Family counselor.
  • Psychiatrist or psychologist.

Question 5: Will the specialist give you his recommendations in writing?

A written recommendation allows you to take some time to make a decision. It also gives you a sense of how long the treatment will last and how much it will cost. If you get more than one opinion – and you should – you'll have these documents to help you remember what each healthcare professional told you.

pain specialist

Question 6: Can the specialist give you references?

Ask for five references. Three of these should be current or past patients; the other two should be healthcare professionals. Call them and ask them to rate the quality of service you can expect from the specialist you're considering.

Question 7: Will my family be allowed involvement in my care?

Family members should be not only allowed but required to be involved in whatever treatment you receive. The program should provide education sessions for family members as well as counseling for you together with them.

Video: How the Brain Controls Pain

Question 8: Will the specialist's services be covered by your medical insurance?

Most insurance companies cover treatment by pain specialists. The doctor or clinic should be able to help you determine the types of treatment that will be covered. However, it's always wise to read your policy and contact your insurer yourself, just to be sure.

Question 9: What will be the specialist's goals?

Your pain specialist should be able to articulate what he or she views as success. Some common goals to shoot for are these:

  • Ending or dramatically lessening your pain.
  • Reducing feelings of anxiety, frustration, anger and depression.
  • Improving personal relationships.
  • Increasing physical and social activity.
  • Developing realistic lifestyle and career guideposts.



Question 10: Will the specialist tell you how to prevent future injury?

Tips and techniques that keep you from aggravating the treated area will prove extremely valuable after you leave the specialist's care. Prevention should be part of any healthcare professional's recommendations.