When discussing medical specialties, most people assume that the specialty is related to a type of treatment (surgery, for example), a particular part of the body or bodily system (such as gynecology or podiatry), or a singular condition or disease, like cancer. Pain management, however, is a different type of specialty. It is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary specialty which incorporates the knowledge of many different branches of medicine in order to help eliminate (or reduce) the symptom of pain.
While pain is a useful function of the body in that it functions as a signal alerting the individual experiencing it that there is some trauma, disease, or other condition which should be addressed, sometimes the underlying cause of the pain cannot be resolved. When that’s the case, medical professionals must try and find ways to help their patients manage their pain so that they can enjoy a good quality of life.
What is a Pain Management Clinic?
A pain management clinic is a clinic which offers treatments specifically aimed at reducing, managing, and eliminating pain. Pain management clinics typically employ a range of medical staff from several different disciplines, as the causes and types of pain experienced by clients vary widely. Some of the professionals one might find at a pain management clinic could include general practitioners who specialize in medications for pain, psychologists who help patients address mental causes of pain as well as cope with the psychological effects of pain, physical therapists, orthopedists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, and many others.
For many patients who are suffering from long term pain, their treatment regimen may require the coordinated knowledge and expertise of practitioners from several different branches of medicine. This can be difficult to manage outside of the unique environment provided by a pain management clinic.
The Purpose of Pain Management
The study and application of medicine has two main goals: to heal the body and to relieve suffering. Pain management clinics focus on both of these goals, but they are particularly necessary for those whose underlying cause of the pain they experience cannot be addressed. Pain can be debilitating, not only because the sensation of pain is distressing, but because it can have profound effects on other aspects of a patient’s life. For example, pain can impair a patient’s mobility. This can isolate the patient, make it difficult for them to maintain employment, and can make it impossible for them to fulfill social and familial obligations.
To find out more, you should visit the following website San Diego based health professionals website:
San Diego Pain Management
Pain management specialists understand not only the experience of pain, but the myriad ways in which it can affect their patients’ lives. They focus not only on helping patients with the physical sensation of pain, but also on helping them to life full, healthy lives. They can help patients come up with strategies to regain their mobility and functionality, and cope with the emotional and psychological effects of pain. They also frequently are aware of more innovative techniques for the treatment of pain than those who are devoted to other specialties.
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