Most people in and around Bowie, MD, will experience some type of chronic pain over their lifetime. Chronic pain is typically considered pain that occurs for at least three months. For some people, the pain may come and go, while for others, it may be a dull ache that is always present. Other people may experience shooting pain in one or more areas of the body.
Living with chronic pain often creates a downward cycle for the individual. The pain limits the ability to sleep, which delays healing while also leading to additional pain and an increased risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Thanks to new options in pain management Bowie MD, chronic pain can be treated, managed, or even eliminated if you work with the right medical specialist.
When to See a Pain Management Specialist
Many people go to their PCP or family doctor for pain management advice and treatment options. While this can be all required, the following signs indicate you should schedule an appointment with a pain management doctor.
• Daily activities are painful –the pain is preventing you from doing daily chores, activities you enjoy, or living independently.
• Medications are not working – prescription or over-the-counter medications are no longer controlling the pain effectively.
• Increased need for medications – dosages of over-the-counter or prescription medications need to be continually increased to provide relief.
• Changes in pain – pain that radiates from the initial area of the body, numbness, tingling, or shooting pain that suddenly appears or comes and goes.
In Bowie, MD, Synergy Spine And Pain Center offers customized treatments to help reduce or eliminate chronic pain.