Pain management doctors specialize in diagnosing, evaluating, and treating acute or chronic pain (that may appear as a result of certain underlying illnesses or surgeries). Instead of a solitary solution, they take a multipronged approach involving a team of doctors, including pain management physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists. Below, you can learn more about who they are, the conditions they treat, and the treatment approaches they use.

How does one become certified as a pain doctor?
After the initial education, pain doctors are generally required to go through an additional 12-month training period to become certified pain management doctors. In addition to this, they also need to constantly undergo ongoing training to continue their practice in the field.

What do pain management doctors treat?
Pain management doctors help manage several different types of pain and inflammation, such as:

Acute pain
Pain that develops quickly over a short period is known as acute pain. It may be a result of blunt trauma, dental work, mild cuts, infections, burns, strained muscles, or sprains in a certain body part. This pain is generally sharp and is resolved when the underlying condition is addressed. If left untreated, it may develop into chronic pain.
Chronic pain
Pain that lasts for at least 3-6 months is characterized as chronic pain. It may range from mild to severe and debilitating, thus impacting the quality of life. Chronic pain management doctors can help address symptoms and manage treatment to alleviate the pain.
Neuropathic pain
Neuropathic pain occurs due to nerve damage that may be a result of conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, post-surgery neuropathic pain, spinal cord injuries, or even a stroke.
Nociceptive pain
Pain that occurs due to tissue damage is termed nociceptive pain. It could be caused by burns, cuts, fractures, overuse of muscles, or joint damage.
Functional pain
This type of pain occurs despite any obvious injury to the body. It could be a result of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic cardiac chest pain, temporomandibular dysfunction, and others. It may also be caused by stress or traumatic life events.

What treatment strategies do pain management doctors use?
Since pain management doctors work in a team to provide pain relief, different doctors may describe different types of therapies. These commonly include:

Prescription management
Here, doctors may prescribe painkillers or other treatment options to alleviate pain.
Behavioral therapy
This may be suggested in conjunction with other therapies. As a part of a psychological technique called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), this pain management strategy is aimed at taking an active, problem-solving approach to one’s pain to reduce any challenges faced in daily life.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy helps provide effective, long-term pain relief using personalized exercise or movement plans aimed at improving one’s strength, flexibility, and mobility.

Some people may even turn to non-allopathic therapies for pain relief. Some of these include acupuncture, massage, hypnosis, spinal manipulation, mindfulness meditation, tai chi, and yoga.

How do I find a pain management doctor near me?
You can find a pain management doctor nearby by:

Asking your primary care doctor for a referral
One of the easiest ways to find a pain management specialist is by talking to your primary care physician. They are already well-versed in your healthcare history and will be able to guide you best toward a colleague who specializes in the type of care you need.
Looking for pain management clinics online
Several online portals can also help you find reliable information on pain management doctors near you. All you need to do is pull up your browser and look for “pain management doctors near me.” You can also narrow this search by adding your geographical location and the specialty you are looking for. Some popular online search portals for doctors include U.S. News, Vitals, Healthgrades, and RateMDs.
Speaking to your friends and family
Your loved ones can also be a vital resource when looking for doctors. If someone you know has been through a similar experience, be sure to speak to them about their experiences.
Seeking help from pain support groups
Join a pain support group or forum to get information from other people with similar experiences. They will be able to help you with details about local doctors and clinics and their reviews.
Connecting with pain advocacy organizations
Several advocacy groups are also focused on helping people with chronic pain; they may have compiled lists of resources to tap into. Some popular advocacy organizations include Patient Mind Inc., U.S. Pain Foundation, Chronic Pain Research Alliance, and American Chronic Pain Association.