What Is a Pain Clinic?
Also called pain management clinics, they’re health care facilities that focus on the diagnosis and management of chronic pain. There are two kinds. One focuses on procedures to deal with specific types of pain, like neck and back pain.
The other, sometimes called an interdisciplinary clinic, takes an approach that looks at the whole person.
Often, your team may include:
Nurses and doctors
Psychologists
Physical therapists
Occupational and vocational therapists
Nutritionists and dietitians
In addition to medications, these clinics can help you manage pain with physical, behavioral, and psychological therapies.
They also may teach you about your pain, coach you on lifestyle changes, and offer complementary or alternative medicine. These can include:
Acupuncture
Biofeedback
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Water therapy
Massage
Meditation
What’s the Goal?
It’s to cut your pain and raise your quality of life. Treatment at a pain clinic can give you the skills to manage your chronic pain on your own and make you more able to function, possibly so that you may return to work.
Do They Work?
Multiple studies say folks who have comprehensive pain management have less pain and emotional distress. Research says they also can do their daily tasks easier.
How Do I Find a Pain Clinic near me?
Ask your primary care doctor or specialist for a referral. You can also:
Call your local hospital or medical center.
Get help from a local pain support group.
Search The Center to Advance Palliative Care for a list of providers in each state.