Living with chronic pain can be demoralizing and debilitating, making you feel that this is just how life will be from now on. If you have found yourself in this predicament, scheduling an appointment at a pain management clinic near you may be just what the doctor ordered. 

But what can you expect during your first appointment with a pain management physician? The idea of a first visit can seem daunting, but the Pain Specialists of Charleston are here to help! 

Follow along as we highlight what you can expect during your first visit, and how best to prepare before you walk through the office doors. 

What Are Pain Management Clinics?

Pain management clinics, in the simplest of terms, specialize in the treatment of pain. Clinics like Pain Specialists of Charleston focus on interventional pain management, aiming to alleviate and manage pain without the need for surgery or habit-forming drugs. 

A pain management doctor may recommend a number of available treatment options, from medical massage therapy to injections. Pain doctors recommend treatment options based on your initial evaluation and diagnosis. Our mission is providing treatment while educating you on different ways to manage your pain, such as dietary habits and lifestyle recommendations.

What to Expect When Seeking Pain Management in Charleston, SC

Our primary focus is finding the root cause of your pain and forming a treatment plan based on your specific needs. Whether you have neck pain from a recent car accident or have been living with chronic back pain for years, our team is here to help you find relief with safe and effective treatment. 

We offer a variety of treatment options, including: 

  • Joint injections for knee, shoulder, and hip pain 
  • Nerve blocks for specific nerve injuries or irritation 
  • Radiofrequency neurotomy to “burn” the nerves carrying pain signals 
  • Deep tissue massages, along with other varying massage therapy

What Should I Bring? 

The first appointment at your doctor’s office can be nerve-wracking. In the hopes of making your first appointment a successful one, here are some key items to bring with you on your first visit: 

  • Completed new patient paperwork
  • A list of all medications you currently take, including dose and how often you take them (prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, herbs, and supplements)
  • Any X-rays, CAT scans or MRIs you may have done in the past for your pain 
  • Pain diary 
  • A list of questions to discuss with your Charleston pain management physician 
  • Specific examples of how the pain has interfered with your day-to-day activities
  • Family history of diseases, including the type and who has it 

A pain diary, or pain journal, is a tool that helps you keep track of your pain levels on a daily basis. Your pain diary is as detailed as you want it to be. You can keep track of how often you have pain, a rating scale of the severity, or if you notice things that help improve or exacerbate your pain. 

What Questions Should I Ask My Pain Doctor? 

When it comes to preparation, nothing is better than having a detailed list of questions to ask your doctor on your first visit. Being well-informed can help you make an educated decision on your pain management and treatment. 

Here are some questions to consider before stepping into a visit with your Charleston pain doctor: 

  • What kind of training do you have in pain diagnosis and management? 
  • What type of tests will I have to undergo? 
  • What are my treatment options? 
  • Are there self-care options to help manage pain at home in conjunction with medical treatment? 
  • Are there any lifestyle changes I can make to help reduce my daily pain? 
  • What happens next? 

Being prepared with a list of questions will help ease the anxiety of the first visit and help your doctor–and yourself–get to the root of your pain. 

Suffering from Chronic Pain? Pain Specialists of Charleston Can Help! 

Our team at Pain Specialists of Charleston understands how overwhelming first visits can be, and how pain can disrupt your everyday life. We want you to know that you’re not alone and you don’t deserve to suffer from ongoing pain!

With over 20+ years of specialty training in both anesthesiology and pain management, our board-certified pain management physicians are here to help you find a non-surgical form of treatment that fits your needs and get you back on track to reclaiming your life. 

Our highly skilled pain management doctors near you are currently accepting new patients–no referral needed! Contact us today to schedule your first appointment and say goodbye to pain!