One of the most commonly asked questions by patients seeking pain management after an injury or surgery is, “Do pain management orthopedic surgeons prescribe pain killers?” The answer varies from person to person and depends upon the condition of the patient. Pain management orthopedic surgeons do not always prescribe pain medications. Pain management is strictly an elective specialty within the medical profession. As such, pain management surgeons are only considered when a patient is suffering pain and cannot be comfortable in the setting in which they seek care. In this situation, pain management surgeons will discuss the options available to the patient.
Anti-Inflammatory
If a patient is experiencing pain, and the doctor feels that it could be the result of an underlying condition that needs treatment, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication as a treatment for that condition. This can be considered pain management if it helps to reduce the symptoms of an illness. Anti-inflammatories can also be used when there is a sudden flare-up of a chronic condition that is causing the patient’s pain.
Can pain management surgery be performed
When a patient has a sudden acute flare-up of their pain, the question often asked is, “Can pain management surgery be performed?” In this situation, the answer is yes. Many doctors are now performing this type of procedure as part of a treatment for their patients. The purpose of pain management surgery is to relieve the patient of their pain, control the pain, and prevent the development of additional pain-related conditions. This type of procedure is often performed when other methods have failed.
Some conditions that can qualify for pain management surgery include tennis elbow, shingles, bursitis, and tendinitis. Each of these conditions can cause pain that can interfere with daily activities. The most common pain management option is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These medications are prescribed for both chronic and acute conditions, and can also be prescribed for conditions that do not respond to other forms of treatment.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are most effective when taken before the onset of pain. Patients should schedule regular pain management visits with their orthopedic surgeon. During these appointments, the surgeon will evaluate the severity of the pain and recommend a treatment plan based on the diagnosis. The first step in the treatment process is evaluating the pain and determining what, if any, risk factors may be involved in the patient’s particular case. An orthopedic surgeon may suggest a few different options for pain management before settling on one. These options could include physical therapy, acupuncture, lifestyle changes such as taking vitamins or adding a weight loss supplement to the diet, or pain medication.
Effective Pain Management Technique
Acupuncture has been known to be an effective pain management technique. In some cases, patients have found that the procedure relieves the pain by stimulating the point at which a nerve stream runs. In many cases, a patient does not have to undergo pain management surgery. If a patient’s condition is minor, the surgeon may only recommend pain management medication such as over-the-counter drugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or a pain management cream.
Pain Management Medication
Sometimes, a patient may need more than just pain management medication. In these cases, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend spinal manipulation. During spinal manipulation, the surgeon will use their hands to realign the spine and decompress the nerves. This procedure can also relieve the pressure on joints and promote the healing of bones and joints. However, it is not always necessary to undergo spinal manipulation to obtain relief from back pain.
The bottom line is that you should ask your doctor whether pain management medications are appropriate for your situation. Not every pain patient requires this type of treatment. The goal is always to improve a patient’s quality of life by alleviating pain as much as possible. Before undergoing pain management surgery, you should discuss all of your options and get a thorough evaluation from your doctor. After all, this is a choice you will have to live with for the rest of your life.
