when should I see a pain management doctor

Pain Management Doctors

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Pain Management Doctors

This article discusses pain management doctors in some detail focusing on the injuries they treat.

What is it?

Pain management doctors specialize in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of all different kinds of pain. There are many types of pain such as cancer pain (tumor pressing on parts of the body causing pain), chronic pain (long-term pain), and acute pain (short-term pain). The overall goal of pain management doctors is to manage pain and provide comfort to their patients. They do this in a variety of ways.

What types of injuries do they treat?

There are many types of injuries that pain management doctors treat. Below are some injuries and common pain types that are treated:

  • Back pain
  • Constant headaches/migraines
  • Joint pain
  • Post-surgery pain
  • Arthritis
  • Chest/abdominal pain
  • Sports injuries

The above list is not limited; there are plenty of other types of pain and injuries that pain management doctors treat.

What types of treatment do they provide?

The treatment they provide can range from injections to therapy. Here is a list of some common types of treatment provided by pain management doctors:

  • Spinal injections
  • Steroid Injections
  • Nerve blocks
  • Joint Injections
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Neuromodulation

The above list is not complete because there are other forms of treatment that pain management doctors provide. The overall goal of pain management doctors is to treat pain and approach pain to satisfy the patient’s comfort level.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a type of pain that is persistent and can last well over 6 months to many years. Usually, chronic pain occurs after an injury or surgery, but the pain simply doesn’t seem to go away. There are many ways to approach chronic pain, but sometimes the treatment only takes the edge off.

When you feel pain, there are pain receptors that are turned on in that area. The pain receptors send an electrical signal to your brain which tells you that you are hurting. When the body heals itself or the injury is healed, the pain receptors turn off and stop sending those electrical signals to your brain. With chronic pain, however, those pain receptors continue sending the pain signals even after the injury is healed. Some of the leading causes of chronic pain are:

  • Back injuries
  • Surgery
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Arthritis

When someone feels pain from an injury or a symptom well after the body is healed, that person may be suffering from chronic pain. Chronic pain can also affect someone mentally; the can feel constantly frustrated, angry, or depressed. It can also affect sleeping patterns, eating habits, and drain your energy. When our expectations aren’t met, we feel frustrated. We can feel frustrated when we don’t know why something is happening. When someone has chronic pain it can be difficult to manage because that person may not know why they are in such pain or struggle to find a solution to the pain.

Seeing pain management doctors or primary care physicians would be the next step for managing the pain.

Cancer Pain

Cancer pain is daunting to think about, let alone deal with first hand or even personally. Cancer is a word that is not used lightly and should be handled properly. When someone has cancer, there can be a tumor building inside of that person’s body. Cancer pain usually refers to the pain caused by the tumor pressing against nerves, bones, muscles, or organs in the body. This type of pain is hard to manage because of the knowledge. Knowing you have cancer is painful enough, let alone the actual pain from a tumor.

One of the most helpful treatments besides drugs and chemotherapy is an emotional connection with friends and family. Cancer can take a toll on your mental and physical health, so it is important to take care of both.

Acute Pain

When someone has an injury or surgery, they usually experience some level of pain. When the pain goes away when that person is healed, that person experienced acute pain. Acute pain usually doesn’t last over 6 months. Some examples of things that cause acute pain are:

  • Surgery that causes pain for only a month
  • A headache that doesn’t last for more than a few hours
  • A broken bone that heals after two months
  • Cut that heals after a week
  • A bruised rib that heals after 3 weeks

There are plenty of other types of injuries or surgeries that cause acute pain. Treatment with drugs usually relieves the pain but does not fix the injury.

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Pain Management Doctors

McMullin Injury Law

orthopedic doctor information utah

Orthopedic Surgeon

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Orthopedic Surgeon

This article discusses orthopedic surgeons in some detail focusing on the main treatments they perform.

Who are they?

An orthopedic surgeon is a physician who specializes in the musculoskeletal system. They specialize in diagnosing, preparing, performing surgery, and rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system consists of the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves of the body. Orthopedic surgeons have extensive medical training. They have completed:  

  1. 4 years of undergrad (bachelor’s degree);
  2. 4 years of medical school;
  3. 5+ years of residency; and
  4. Specialty or additional training

Overall, orthopedic surgeons have at least 13 years of experience in training for what they do. They are trained to help their patients by higher means of medical assistance.

What kinds of injuries do they treat?

Orthopedic surgeons treat many injuries related to the musculoskeletal system; here are some of the injuries they treat:

  • Bone fractures and dislocations
  • Back injuries
  • Deformities
  • Injuries to tendons, muscles, cartilage, etc.
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Leg dysfunctions
  • Growth abnormalities
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Sports and work-related injuries
  • Torn, sprained or strained ligaments

Many of these injuries require surgery, but some do not require it. The surgeon and many of their assistants will run tests and interview you about the injury. Usually, the surgeon will come see you a few times before a final decision is made. If an injury is a joint related injury, usually the surgeon will test the range of motion in the joint, along with asking how it happened, what kind of pain was felt, what are you comfortable/not comfortable doing with the injury, etc.

What kinds of treatment do they provide?

Some of the surgeries that an orthopedic surgeon performs are:

  1. Arthroscopy – the procedure of diagnosing, visualizing and treatment of a joint using a camera and other special equipment.
  2. Internal Fixation – a procedure that holds a bone or bones in their proper position by metal plates, pins, screws while the bone heals.
  3. Joint replacement – an injured or damaged joint that is in need of repair; sometimes the joint is partially, revised or totally replaced.
  4. Osteotomy – the cutting and re-positioning of bones for proper placement and correction.
  5. Soft tissue repair – tendons or ligaments in need of repair, usually done by mending.

There may be more than just one form of treatment for a musculoskeletal injury or disease. Orthopedic surgeons want to make the best and most educated decision for you, which is why they and their assistants perform several tests before the final treatment. They will interview you and ask about your history with this injury, they will take blood tests, X-rays, additional diagnostic exams, etc. They want to satisfy you and help you feel back to normal.

When a patient has a musculoskeletal injury but does not need surgery, they may be referred to a pain management doctor or a physical therapist. Some injuries simply require little to no weight-bearing. If someone injures their ankle, the orthopedic surgeon may recommend crutches and physical therapy instead of surgery. They may recommend this if the patient’s ligaments and tendons were not affected. If the patient were to fracture an ankle bone and strain a ligament, the orthopedic surgeon may recommend surgery.

It may be wise to get a second opinion on your injury. For example, you should see a doctor and ask what they think would be the best for your injury. If they recommend surgery, it might be beneficial to see another doctor and ask them the same question. If they both recommend surgery, then surgery is probably the best option.

Orthopedics

Defined as an organ system, the musculoskeletal system gives the human body a range of motion or the ability to move. The system provides support, movement, strength, and stability. It also protects many parts of the body including vital organs. Consisting of bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles, joints and other parts of the musculoskeletal system: the knee supports the body’s weight. The ankle and foot absorb friction when walking or running (there are 26 bones and 33 joints in the foot and ankle). The hip provides stability when standing, walking or running. The rib cage protects the vital organs. The arms pull and lift; hands perform complicated tasks. The human body is amazing and can do amazing things. The most important part of the body is the brain, and the musculoskeletal system helps perform functions and ideas of the brain.

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Orthopedic Surgeon

McMullin Injury Law

neurologist information utah

Neurologist

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Neurologist

This article discusses the basics of the neurologist profession, focusing on the particular types of treatments a neurologist offers.

Who are they?

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of the categories and conditions related to the nervous system. The nervous system consists of the nerves cells and fibers that transmit nerve impulses between parts of the body. Neurologists have extensive medical training. They have completed:

  1. Undergrad (bachelors);
  2. Medical school;
  3. An internship; and
  4. At least three years of training in a neurology program for a residency.

By treating and managing neurological conditions and problems, neurologists are specialists when it comes to the nervous system.

If a patient has a symptom that a neurologist might treat, that patient should go to their primary care doctor first. Usually, the patient’s primary care doctor will refer the patient to a neurologist if needed. In most cases, a patient should see their primary care doctor before seeing a specialist, unless it is an emergency, then the patient should go to the emergency room or an instant care doctor.

What kind of injuries do they treat?

A neurologist treats many types of injuries and conditions. Neurologists treat patients who suffer from:

  • Dementia
  • Dizziness
  • Epilepsy
  • Movement problems
  • Headaches/migraines
  • MS (multiple sclerosis)
  • Seizures
  • Sleep disorders
  • Stroke
  • Tumors
  • Vision problems

There are plenty of other injuries and conditions they treat. Neurologists are trained to help patients with the pain and condition of their nervous system. Chronic pain related to the nervous system is something a neurologist might treat. For example, if someone had back surgery and their pain has not gone away even though they have completely healed from the surgery, the neurologist would treat that patient, especially if the patient suffers from weakness, numbness, bladder or bowel problems.

What kind of treatment do they provide?

They provide many types of treatment, but usually, a neurologist will start the treatment by a neurological exam, examining the brain and function of the patient. With the assistance of technology, neurologists can not only rely on their expertise but the accuracy and consistency of computers for treatment. Neurologists need to be able to identify potential risks associated with the nervous system. For example, a patient who has lost the ability to move certain parts of their body could be suffering from a brain tumor. Neurologists are trained to address this immediately with examinations and procedures while also prescribing medicine.  

Neurosurgeon

Neurologists can recommend surgery, but they are not surgeons themselves. With the extensive knowledge, neurologists recommendations are very accurate. If a patient is suffering from a nervous system related injury or disease, surgery might be the best option for treatment. The neurologist might recommend surgery from a neurosurgeon – a surgeon who is specialized in performing surgery on the brain and nervous system.

The illnesses and conditions neurosurgeons treat are related to the brain, spine, arteries, stroke, back pain, tumors, and face abnormalities. Some conditions that a patient has required treatment, but a non-surgical procedure might be recommended. The neurologist or neurosurgeon may perform X-rays, MRI, CT scan, PET imaging, and other types of diagnosis. This diagnosis allows the specialist to understand the patient condition and helps the specialist address the condition with more accuracy.

Non-surgical procedures can consist of injections to the bone, joints, or muscles. Short-term relief can come from narcotic, non-narcotic, anti-inflammatory, prescription or non-prescription drugs. Biologics can be injected into the tissues to help with swelling and bruising. Steroids can also be injected into the affected area. Prolotherapy is an injection to stimulate the nervous system; this is especially helpful when the tissues have become weak due to the patient’s condition.

Nervous system and the brain

The nervous system, along with the brain, is the most important part of the body. The brain controls everything in your body; if there is a problem with it, that problem should be addressed immediately and with the utmost care and protection. What connects the brain and nervous system together with the rest of the body is the nerves. The nerves in our bodies are like wires connecting everything together – connecting the brain and body to the heart, digestive system, immune system, etc.

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Neurologist

McMullin Injury Law

emergency room information utah

The Emergency Room & Trauma Center

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The Emergency Room & Trauma Center

This article discusses the basics of the emergency room and trauma center, focusing on the particular types of treatments one can receive there.

What is the Emergency Room?

Always call 911 if someone needs medical assistance immediately. 911 personnel will assist you on the phone and will be able to direct you to go to the emergency room or stay where you are based on the injuries or illness. If you or the injured person cannot get to the Emergency Room (ER), paramedics will take you in an ambulance. The ER is defined as “a hospital room or area staffed and equipped for the reception and treatment of persons requiring immediate medical care”. The immediate care that people need usually consists of acute (bad, difficult) illness or injury. The emergency room is open 24 hours a day because illness and injury that need immediate care can occur at any time of the day or night. Medical staff, including nurses and doctors, are ready to treat patients with immediate medical assistance. Nurses in the ER are trained to manage many of the injuries and illness; they are the ones to usually determine what kind of care the patient needs – surgery, medicine, etc. If someone goes to the ER, they will most likely see a medical nurse and an Emergency Medical Specialists or ER Doctors. If the patient needs emergency surgery, the ER doctor will more than likely refer them to a Trauma Surgeon, who usually is already in the ER.

What is a Trauma Center?

The Trauma Center (TC) is similar to the Emergency Room (ER), but the types of injuries the TC treats is different. The TC is usually located in the ER, so going to the ER is a must when immediate medical care is needed. The medical staff, including nurses and doctors, will refer the patient to the TC if they need specific care for a traumatizing injury or illness – the patient is usually referred to the TC if they need emergency surgery. The medical personnel in the TC are trained in many of the same areas as the ER; they are trained for specific traumatic injuries and illnesses as well.

What types of injuries does the Emergency Room treat?

There are several types of injuries that medical personnel in the ER treat. These include (but are not limited to):

  • Broken bones
  • Fainting
  • Poisoning
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Stomach and bowel pain
  • Breathing issues
  • Burns

The ER is the default place to go to when someone needs immediate medical attention. The Dixie Regional Medical Center has an excellent trauma center.

What types of injuries does the Trauma Center treat?

There are several types of injuries that medical personnel in the TC treat. These include (but are not limited to):

  • Deep cuts
  • Traumatic car-crash injuries
  • Gunshot/stab wounds
  • Major burns
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Blunt trauma

What types of treatment does the Emergency Room / Trauma Center provide?

The medical staff that sees the patient as soon as they arrive in the ER perform ‘triage’  (evaluating patients to determine who needs the most help urgently). This helps with efficiency in the ER and allows the patient to receive the best care for their injuries or illness. ER Doctors treat patients with medicine and immediate procedures, test for blood pressure, begin blood transfusions, order testing, etc. Both the ER Doctor and Trauma Surgeon have the same goal: to save lives and prevent long-lasting pain/damage to patients. The ER Doctor usually stabilizes the patient, while a Trauma Surgeon operates immediately when the ER Doctor determines the severity of the patient’s illness or injury is critical.

What if I can’t get to the ER myself?

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT’s), or paramedics, usually determine where the patient will be taken for care (most of the time it is the ER). However, the patient can choose which hospital they will be taken to if there is more than one closeby. EMT’s are trained to stabilize patients if needed. Some patients are unconscious when paramedics arrive, so they must decide where the patient must go for the quickest and best medical care.

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The Emergency Room & Trauma Center

McMullin Injury Law

medical doctors information utah

Medical Doctor

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Medical Doctor

This article discusses the basics of the medical doctor profession, focusing on the particular types of treatments a medical doctor offers.

What is a medical doctor?

A medical doctor is someone who is a “professional doctorate”, or a doctor of medicine (MD). In order to become a doctor in the United States, one must graduate from an accredited Medical School and pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam, or USMLE. Once the graduate passes the USMLE, they undergo additional specialization called a residency. The graduate usually does their residency in a hospital under the direct or indirect supervision of a practicing physician. If the graduate successfully completes their residency, they can obtain an unrestricted license to practice medicine.

Doctor’s Office, Urgent Care, ER

Calling 911 is the first option for an emergency medical concern, but if you can manage or someone can take you, go to the Emergency Room for life-threatening, acute or extremely urgent situations. Emergency Room (ER) visits can be very expensive, but that is of little relevance if a health concern is an emergency. Urgent care (InstaCare for example) is a good option if the medical concern is urgent, but not an emergency like an ear infection, a sinus infection, the flu, etc.. When someone has a non-urgent health concern, visiting a doctor’s office is recommended.

ER Doctors

When someone visits the ER they are treated first by an ER doctor who helps stabilize them. If that patient needs further medical attention, they will refer the patient to a Trauma Surgeon.

Primary Care

Primary Care doctors usually have office hours similar to normal business hours, like 8-5. Primary care physicians and doctors perform many actions, including but not limited to:

  1. Check-ups;
  2. Diagnosis;
  3. Rehab;
  4. Direct treatment;
  5. Monitor and manage health conditions;
  6. Educate patients; or
  7. Refer patients to specialists.

Specialist

Primary care doctors help diagnose and treat general illness. If someone has a joint problem they suffer from a knee injury, a primary care doctor might refer that patient to an orthopedic doctor (bone doctor) or rheumatologist (musculoskeletal doctor) for further treatment.

Types of injuries/sickness they treat

The types of injuries/illness a primary care doctor treats can vary from the flu to a broken bone to an ear infection. ER doctors and Trauma Surgeons treat urgent and life-threatening injuries like head-related injuries or injuries with lots of blood loss. A specialist will have a specific practice that treats certain injuries. For example, there are foot and ankle doctors who specialize in the treatment, mobility, and health of the foot and ankle. If someone has an ankle issue and they go to a primary care doctor, that doctor may treat the pain, but more than likely refer them to a specialist for further treatment.

Types of treatment

Surgeons treat patients by manual manipulation of the body with the application of instruments. Primary care doctors focus on treating patients with medicine and educating them for further prevention of illness. Specialists will focus on treatment of a specific area; for example a foot and ankle specialist will focus on treatment through exercises of many kinds and massage therapy, to name a few.

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Medical Doctor

McMullin Injury Law