Pain is like a natural alarm system. It tells us when something is wrong with our bodies, like an illness or an injury, so we can take appropriate action, whether that means getting more rest or seeing a doctor. In this way, pain serves an important purpose.
But when pain lasts longer than a few months, it stops being helpful. Pain that lingers can negatively impact your quality of life, affecting everything from your daily routines to your sleep quality. Your care provider may recommend a pain management specialist when pain becomes chronic.
If this is the case, you likely have questions, like Why is my doctor sending me to pain management? or “What is pain management exactly, and how can it help me?
Learn what pain management means, why referrals happen, and how this care can support your recovery and long-term health.
What Is Pain Management?
Pain management is a medical specialty focused on identifying the source of pain and providing treatments to reduce it
Acute vs. Chronic Pain Management
Acute pain management typically addresses short-term pain resulting from surgery, injury, or illness. The goal is to relieve pain quickly while the body heals, often using medications, physical therapy, or other short-term strategies.
In contrast, chronic pain management is for pain that lasts longer than three to six months or otherwise well beyond the expected recovery period. This type of pain may not fully resolve, so care focuses on reducing its intensity, improving function, and helping patients maintain their daily routines.
Why Is My Doctor Sending Me to Pain Management: Common Reasons for a Referral
Here are some reasons you might be referred to a pain management specialist.
1. Chronic Pain
Chronic pain often lingers beyond the usual recovery period and doesn’t respond well to initial treatments. Conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, post-surgical pain, and chronic back or neck pain fall into this category. If your pain interferes with sleep, mobility, or your ability to work, your doctor may recommend more specialized care.
2. Conventional Treatments Haven’t Worked
If you’ve already tried various pain treatments to no avail, it may be time to explore more targeted interventions. Pain management specialists can access advanced tools, medications, and procedures beyond standard pain relief treatments.
3. Complex or Undiagnosed Pain
In some cases, the cause of the pain isn’t clear. Maybe you’ve seen multiple providers, had imaging done, and still don’t have a firm diagnosis. Pain specialists are trained to evaluate complicated cases and use more in-depth diagnostics to identify the root cause.
4. Need for Specialized Procedures
Your doctor may refer you to acute or chronic pain treatment if you need specialized care. Some procedures require advanced training and specific equipment. Examples are:
- Epidural Steroid Injections: Often used for spinal nerve inflammation
- Nerve Blocks: Used to interrupt pain signals from specific nerves, usually guided by imaging
- Radiofrequency Ablation: A procedure that uses heat to disrupt nerve function
- Spinal Cord Stimulation Trials: Involve temporary implantation of a device, coordinated by pain management or neuromodulation specialists
- Intrathecal Pain Pumps: Deliver medication directly to the spinal fluid for chronic pain management
These procedures often target the source of pain more directly and may reduce or eliminate the need for long-term medication use.
5. Pain Is Affecting Mental Health
Chronic pain often impacts mood, sleep, and emotional health. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and withdrawal from social activities. Pain management providers understand this connection and may work with mental health specialists or include modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy.
6. Post-Surgical or Post-Trauma Pain
If you’ve had surgery or an injury that continues to cause pain after the expected recovery window, you may be referred for pain management to avoid long-term complications. Early intervention can prevent acute pain from worsening and improve overall healing outcomes.
Conditions Commonly Treated in Pain Management Clinics
Pain management clinics treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Chronic Back and Neck Pain: This is often linked to degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal arthritis.
- Neuropathic Pain: This type of pain results from nerve damage and may be caused by conditions like diabetic neuropathy or sciatica. It often feels like burning, tingling, or sharp, shooting sensations.
- Fibromyalgia: This is a chronic condition that causes widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and disrupted sleep, often without a clear underlying injury.
- Arthritis: This causes joint inflammation and can lead to persistent pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Common types include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Migraines and Chronic Headaches: Pain management may help reduce their severity and frequency.
When To Manage Pain: Signs You Need Specialized Care
Knowing when to manage pain with help from a specialist often comes down to how much it’s affecting your daily life. Pain management may be the best next step if:
- Your pain lasts more than three months.
- You’ve tried standard treatments without success.
- Pain limits your daily life, movement, or sleep.
- You’re unsure what’s causing your pain or how to treat it safely.
What Is a Pain Management Appointment Like?
Your first appointment with a pain management provider is usually a comprehensive assessment. Here’s what you can expect during your first visit to a specialist for acute or chronic pain treatment:
- Medical History: You’ll go over your pain history, current medications, and past treatments.
- Physical Exam: Your provider will examine areas of pain and evaluate your range of motion, strength, and function.
- Diagnostic Testing: Imaging tests like MRIs, X-rays, and nerve studies may be ordered for your provider to better understand what’s causing the pain.
- Treatment Plan: Based on your diagnosis and needs, you may receive a combination of medication adjustments, interventional procedures, physical therapy, or other therapies aimed at long-term relief.
How Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln Can Help With Pain Management
At Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln, we recognize how frustrating pain can be and how important it is to treat it early. Our team evaluates and manages mild to moderate pain. Moreover, we identify when it’s time for a referral to a Nebraska-based pain management specialist. Our goal is to ensure you receive the right care at the right time.
Access Prompt, Compassionate Care in Lincoln, NE
Pain doesn’t have to define your days. With the right care team and treatments, many people find relief, even after months or years of discomfort.
Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln is here to support you every step of the way. Our clinic offers convenient walk-in care, diagnostic procedures, referrals, and other solutions to help you with your acute or chronic pain management goals. Drop by during clinic hours, or contact us to learn more about our services.