From back pain to headaches, it is only human to experience pain occasionally. But how do you determine when the regular aches and pains are a more serious issue, and warrant a consultation with a pain management physician Dallas?
The general recommendation is to see a specialist if you have chronic pain. However, there are numerous other telltale signs that a consultation with your pain management is worthwhile. Continue reading to learn more.
1. Over-the-Counter Medications are No Longer Effective
For mild, occasional pains and aches, over-the-counter painkillers could be helpful. However, if you are taking these medications daily and feel you cannot operate without them, or gradually increasing dosages, consult a specialist.
Over-reliance on medication, even over-the-counter drugs, could negatively affect your well-being. Partnering with a pain doctor does not always imply your doctor will prescribe stronger meds. Your specialist can explore other solutions, like interventional pain management.
2. You Cannot Engage In Routine Activities
Are you canceling plans because it pains you too much to step outside? Have you stopped engaging in your beloved hobbies or missing activities or events you previously enjoyed because of pain? If so, you should reach out to a pain management doctor.
Skipping your routine activities may contribute to depression, worsening your pain. Pain management can help you get back to living your life and enjoying the activities you did before pain sidelined you.
3. You Experience a Tingling Sensation in Your Extremities
A tingling sensation in the feet, toes, hands, or fingers can signal nerve damage. If not treated, nerve damage can result in more severe complications, such as loss of function and even disability.
Therefore, seeing a pain management specialist is important if you experience discomfort accompanied by a tingling sensation. Your physician will establish the underlying reason for the pain and tingling sensation and design a suitable care plan.
4. You Cannot Sleep
There are numerous reasons why you may experience disrupted sleeping patterns. However, if your pain is waking you several times during the night or keeping you from falling asleep, it is time to consult a pain management specialist.
Poor sleep could have a detrimental effect on your general well-being, both mentally and physically, which could worsen your pain, creating a vicious cycle. As a result, addressing your pain so you can enjoy a good night’s rest could make a huge difference in your overall well-being.
5. You Feel the Pain Spreading
It is one thing to have pain localized in one area. However, once the pain spreads, it could indicate that the problem is worsening. You might feel that the discomfort is starting to shift or spread over a bigger region.
In either case, these odd sensations may imply that you require advanced pain treatments. Your pain management physician can perform a comprehensive diagnosis t determine the root cause of your issue and offer appropriate care.
Some individuals live with pain for so long that they have become used to it. However, you should not allow chronic pain to take control. Pain management treatments can address even “tolerable” pains you have lived with for years.
Pain management is a continuous process requiring several consultations before attaining the optimal benefit. Nonetheless, you should realize significant improvements after one or two sessions with your pain doctor, based on the severity of your issue.
