A Multidisciplinary Approach to Pain Management

Pain management is compiled with a number of conservative and aggressive approaches. At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we believe in a multidisciplinary approach to pain management and consult with patients and other specialists to better design an affective treatment plan.

While certain patients show dramatic improvements in pain symptoms, others have little response. Some physicians face difficulties when diagnosing a condition and utilizing an appropriate care plan. The American Medical Association (AMA) has recognized this problem and is now offering an updated pain management education program that includes up-to-date information on the assessment and management of pain.

Understanding the functions of pain management can better assist physicians to ensure patients get the pain relief they need. Pain management specialists all to often see misuse, abuse, addiction, and unintentional poisonings from prescription opioids. This poses a serious health problem and leaves pain symptoms untreated.

According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, roughly 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Typically, a multidisciplinary approach and prescription opioids are sought to manage chronic pain. The updated medical education program exercises the universal precautions approach and an appropriately structured therapy to manage the risks associated with substance abuse. Physicians can access modules that address the specific needs of their practice and patients.

Multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary pain management therapies are relatively safer than opioid use or surgery. An April 2012 report in the Journal of Family Practice reviewed two studies that compared interdisciplinary care with spine fusion surgery for chronic back pain. The studies found that interdisciplinary care was more reasonable for most patients. Another study of chronic low back pain patients with surgery for disc herniation showed no improvements from a spinal fusion. Rather, cognitive intervention and exercise for a year was more effective.

At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, patients receive specialized care from experienced and compassionate physicians. If a patient has any preexisting conditions or is being treated for something other than spine or pain problems, a physician will consult with other specialists to ensure they are creating a safe and helpful care plan. Southwest Spine and Pain treats a multitude of pain conditions including, lower and upper spine pain, nerve pain, and sports injuries.

If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!

The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.

©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2013

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