Finding a Pain Specialist

When to See a Pain Specialist

Pain specialists are physicians with additional training in diagnosing and treating complex pain conditions. Consider seeing one when pain persists despite standard treatment, affects daily function significantly, or when your primary care doctor recommends it. Finding the right specialist can make a significant difference in your care.¹

Types of Pain Specialists²

Pain Medicine Physicians

Board certified in pain medicine
Background may vary (anesthesiology, PM&R, neurology)
Comprehensive pain management
May do procedures and prescribe

Physiatrists (PM&R)

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Focus on function and quality of life
Non-surgical approach
Often coordinate care

Other Specialists

Neurologists (nerve-related pain)
Rheumatologists (inflammatory conditions)
Orthopedic surgeons (structural issues)
Neurosurgeons (spine problems)

Types of Pain Clinics³

Comprehensive/Multidisciplinary

Multiple specialists together
Physical therapy, psychology included
Holistic approach
Gold standard for complex pain

Procedure-Focused

Emphasis on injections, procedures
May be appropriate for some
Ask about comprehensive services

Questions to Ask

What is your training/certification?
Do you treat my type of pain?
What treatments do you offer?
Do you have a multidisciplinary team?
What is your approach to opioids?
How do you measure progress?

How to Find One

Ask primary care for referral
Check insurance provider directory
Professional organizations (AAPM)
Academic medical centers
Patient reviews and recommendations

Preparing for First Visit

Gather medical records
List all medications
Bring imaging on CD
Write down your pain history
Note treatments already tried
List your questions

Red Flags to Avoid

Promises of complete cure
One-size-fits-all approach
Pressure to do procedures
Won't explain options
Doesn't listen to concerns
Cash-only/excessive costs

Building Your Team

Pain specialist coordinates
Physical therapist
Mental health provider
Primary care doctor
Others as needed

If First Visit Doesn't Go Well

Consider second opinion
Find someone you're comfortable with
Partnership is important
You can change providers

References

Institute of Medicine. Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research. National Academies Press; 2011.
Clauw DJ. Diagnosing and treating chronic musculoskeletal pain based on the underlying mechanism(s). Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2015;29(1):6-19.
Gatchel RJ, McGeary DD, McGeary CA, Lippe B. Interdisciplinary chronic pain management: past, present, and future. Am Psychol. 2014;69(2):119-130.