What is a Pain Medicine Specialist?

About Pain Medicine Specialists

Pain medicine physicians specialize in the management and treatment of a wide range of pain-related conditions. These conditions may include back & neck pain, chronic pain, migraine headaches, pain disorders, pain related to cancer or arthritis, fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), and many more.

Referrals from primary care physicians are generally required for patients who need to see a pain medicine physician.

Upon referral, a pain medicine physician will review the patient’s medical history, perform evaluations and physical examinations, and use other necessary diagnostic tests to see what may be troubling the patient. They can then provide personalized treatment plans which may include medications, counseling, rehabilitation, and pain relief procedures. The methods of treatment can extend to the use of meditation, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, surgery, and injections to help patients manage pain.

Pain specialists work in a variety of practice environments including pain clinics, hospitals as well as private practices. Treatment for patients suffering from chronic pain conditions can often mean pain medicine physicians work in tandem with other specialists who can provide further therapy including Physiatrists / Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Specialists, Physiotherapists, Neurologists, Anesthesiologists, and Family Doctors / General Practitioners.

Useful Resources

Canada

Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

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Quebec

Newfoundland and Labrador

New Brunswick

Nova Scotia