Sometimes when it comes to pain, pain management and treatment plans, it can sometimes seem that there are more questions than answers. Today, we tackle some of the most common questions we see in our practice, and provide the answers we hope can help put your mind at ease.
1. What’s the difference between acute pain and chronic pain?
Chronic pain, like the name suggests, is an ongoing condition. Typically, if pain extends beyond six months without resolution. It can be caused by illness or injury but can also be present without apparent causes. Acute pain, alternatively, refers to pain that is the result of a specific incident or cause.
2. What kinds of acute pain are there?
There are many various causes of acute pain, but also some that are more common than others. Sometimes acute pain may be from a slip-and-fall or car accident, but it also can apply to other injuries and sometimes even surgery.
3. When do I know if I should see a doctor?
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Florida, it’s recommended to see a doctor for your injuries right away. In order to access your full legal coverage through insurers, Florida law requires you to be seen within 14 days of the incident.
If your pain is persistent and it’s beyond your 14-day window, you should still seek help from a medical provider who can provide relief or give you a referral to a specialist. But even beyond legal reasons, sooner really is better. Getting seen for your pain will help you get on the path to recovery and relief much sooner.
4. Will I receive a diagnosis?
When you see a pain specialist at AIPI, your doctor and their medical team will collaborate together to establish a diagnosis if appropriate, taking into account your specific injury or accident, medical history and incidental details.
5. What is a pain management specialist?
A pain management specialist is a physician who has completed specialized training in diagnosing, evaluating and treating physical pain with a multitude of medical techniques and technology.
6. What kinds of treatments are available for acute pain?
At AIPI, we offer several different kinds of treatment, depending on your specific needs. This includes Radio Frequency Ablation, Pain Management Injections and Spinal Cord Stimulation.
7. Will opioid medication be recommended to treat my pain?
Our goal here at AIPI is to provide treatment that focuses on the cause of your pain in a way that will provide long-term relief without the need of potentially addictive drugs or unnecessary surgery.
8. What should I expect through the course of treatment?
From the moment you engage with AIPI, our objective is to help you feel better. We use the latest technology to treat a variety of conditions and build customized treatment plans designed for your specific needs.
If you have more questions about acute pain, or if you or a loved one are experiencing pain due to a personal injury, the AIPI team is always here to help. Reach out any time to schedule a consultation.