Everyone knows what pain is. You feel it every time you stub your toe or touch a hot stove. However, less understand chronic pain, let alone the intricacies of chronic pain management. So, in honor of this year’s Pain Awareness Month, Twin Cities’ iSpine Pain Physicians have created this step-by-step guide to the process, designed to educate those with and without chronic pain.

A Road Map to Chronic Pain Management

1. Intervention

Before one can effectively manage your symptoms, they must first seek medical intervention. That means contacting a qualified neck, hip or back pain specialist such as iSpine Pain Physicians. Based in four locations across Minnesota including Chaska, Crystal, Delano and Maple Grove, these board-certified professionals with guide you through each subsequent step.

2. Diagnosis

Every injury is different. Every symptom is unique. Thus, before proceeding, your back pain specialist will thoroughly examine your current condition as well as review your medical history. They may ask you to rate your pain levels or access your ability to stand, walk and lift your legs. Depending on severity, they may also perform diagnostic tests like MRI and CT scans, X-rays, EMGs or blood tests.

3. Treatment

Once your physician can pinpoint from where your chronic pain originates, they will devise a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. For example, if your condition is severe, they may recommend a kyphoplasty or another minimally invasive procedure. For something less serious, they may instead prescribe back injections, nerve blocks or even lifestyle changes. It simply depends on your symptoms and personal treatment preferences.

4. Management

You likely won’t experience relief right away. Chronic pain is a complex disorder with many etiologies, so it may take some time and a few modifications before you find a treatment plan that works best with your body. So, don’t lose hope. With patience and an experienced back pain specialist on your side, you too can manage your systems and achieve chronic pain relief.

This Pain Awareness Month, get the assistance you need. Call iSpine Pain Physicians at (763) 201-8191 today. For more on their tailored services and comprehensive treatment options, visit the chronic pain management center online.