Pain Mgmt Dr. or Pain Clinic? - Pain Management Message Board

Soleil11 · 06-08-2003, 10:10 PM

I would like to understand if a pain clinic is the same as a pain managment dr. and if it isn't, what do you look under for one when and if I should need one.
Once, they were sending me to a pain clinic where they give you shots and do all these things first before medication. My primary is prescribing and I just deal w/primary but it could change. Thanks Soleil

Jack Beanstalk · 06-08-2003, 10:28 PM

The best thing is to check what,s available in your area,through Yellow pages or calling a few Pharmacies.They,ll know who Rxes Meds.The bad thing about clinics and pain docs,is you don,t really know which does what without checking first.Some"Pain Clinics"won,t even Rx Opiates!All they,ll do is milk your insurance to death with all these injections and "treatments".The best bet is a small practice or to ask a Pharmacist you trust,who the "Good Dr.,s"are.It will save you a lot of trouble!Good-Luck,Soliel! jack beanstalk

chriztene · 06-09-2003, 04:03 AM

Soleil,

Yes, there is a difference between pain management clinics and a Pain Medicine Doctor. Now, some pain mangement clinics do indeed have Pain Medicine Doctors, but, others dont like the other poster described, tests, tests, tests...

I would suggest you going to the American Academy of Pain Medicine website. You can do a search for a Doctor in your city/state. I did this and found a wonderful pain physician. Granted, I had to call many numbers and receive many "no we dont treat your condition", but eventually I found a Doctor whom was educated with my condition.

These doctors specialize in pain medicine and treat chronic pain. Once you find a Doctor, you will need to have your phsycian refer you to the pm doctor. This was my last resort when I had tried all other options/treatments available and nothing worked. My only option left were invasive procedures and I am not comfortable going there.

I wish you the best,

Chriztene

whaleylaker · 06-09-2003, 04:22 AM

Dear Soleil 11 Firstly Jack is fountian of positive information and Chriztine's idea is great because you might have a chance to find a good PD near you (which is always a good idea) I'm not familliar with Clinics specializing in Pain but I can see why would think it's wierd that they won't write the perscriptions. I found my Doctor in the yellow pages but I know others who have found theirs by calling the hospital. Best of luck...Lake

emc · 06-09-2003, 05:16 AM

Hi Soleil,

This PM doc/Pain clinic situation can be so confusing. My experience with this is just the opposite as what Jack mentioned. I was with a small local PM doc for 5 years (Hello...what is wrong with me???) but am now with a progressive doctor affiliated with a large teaching hospital in Boston. It is a hassle going to and fro but he really listens to me and is willing to find the best treatment for MY pain. We are all different. Can your primary care doc help you? Someone mentioned calling around to local hospitals...I think this might be a good idea. Good luck with your search and with your pain.

Susan