How to Choose an Interventional Pain Specialist
Interventional pain management is widely practiced in Houston. It is a pain management technique that seeks to improve a patient’s quality of life using non-traditional, minimally-invasive practices. If you are looking for an interventional pain specialist in Houston, there are a few important things to keep in mind. Even though there are plenty of specialists in Houston, finding the right one can be a problem. Unfortunately, making the wrong decision could cost you your health. Some of the most important things to consider include:
- Experience
Even though all pain management specialists have to start somewhere, the experience is important. A specialist that is straight out of school may have the expertise to treat pain, but one with experience is a lot better. Choose a doctor who has practiced for a long time. Having real-world experience increases their likelihood of giving you the help you need. If they have dealt with issues that are similar to yours, they can recognize your specific issues instead of guessing.
- Medical Specialty
Be sure that your specialist has a certification that relates to your specific issue. If, for example, you are struggling with back pain, the right specialist is one that treats back pain. Certification in interventional pain management is not always enough.
- Education
Even though there are plenty of physicians, they are not always right for the job. The right one for the job should be board-certified in interventional pain management or pain medicine. They may also be certified in sub-specialties such as physical medicine and rehabilitation and anesthesiology.
- Reputation
The reputation of your pain management specialist says a lot about their ability to help you. One of the best ways to determine their reputation is by speaking with previous customers or checking online reviews. If most of the previous customers were unsatisfied, they may not be your best choice.
- Board Certification
Do not work with a pain management specialist that is not board-certified. They should be certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology and the American Board of Pain Medicine. Board certification is proof that they have undergone training and meet the required standards.
- Focus on the Source of Pain
The right interventional pain management specialist should focus on addressing the cause of your pain and not just the symptoms. If their main treatment technique is administering pain medication, they may not be your best choice. Interventional pain management specialists should focus on long-term pain relief.
There are plenty of reasons why you may need to see a pain management specialist. Most people experience back and neck pain at some point. The spine is complex and it is not always possible to determine the cause of your pain. Usually, the causes range from overuse to serious injuries. Even though the pain may go away on its own, it does not always happen. If you experience pain that goes on for more than seven days, consider seeking a specialist’s help. Working with the right specialist increases your chances of getting the help you need.
