According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), in 2016 more than 25 million American adults experienced chronic pain every day. If those numbers aren’t alarming enough, the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission found that more than 193 million pain reliever pills were dispensed last year in Maricopa County alone.
A scary reality as we kick-off a New Year. But, there is good news. Physicians and lawmakers are beginning to work together to help decrease these numbers, integrating alternative methods of treatment that provide more hands-on options for patients, decrease the number of pain relievers being distributed and ultimately focus on chronic and acute pain management and treatments that provide healthier, long-term effects.
Summa Pain Care is one of those. With offices in Phoenix, Peoria, and Chandler, we’ve made it a priority to be accessible to chronic and acute pain suffers in need of consulting and treatment. Now going into our 13th year of operations, we look forward to continuing to serve communities throughout the Valley, providing the best comprehensive treatment programs, with the patient in mind.
If you or a loved one suffer from acute or chronic pain, and are in need of treatment, here are some things to consider before choosing a pain treatment option:
Do your Research
Whether for a family member or yourself, you know how important it is to find a quality physician that is going to meet your request for more holistic pain treatment options. Because quality varies, make sure to do your research before settling on a physician, clinic or pain specialist. If your regular physician is unable to provide the right treatment options for you, work with them to find a credible pain specialist or clinic near you. Also, don’t be afraid to enlist a trusted friend or family member to help you do additional research, looking for a clinic, individual physician or specialist reviews, and checking credentials and training before making a final decision.
Be Honest and Open
On your journey to getting pain relief, it’s imperative you be open and honest about your pain to ensure you’re connecting with the right medical professionals providing the best options for holistic and alternative pain treatment. Many clinics or physician’s offices have specialists available who are specially trained in dealing with holistic pain treatment for specific areas of the body. To avoid wasting time, prolonging discomfort and getting the wrong treatment for you or a loved one, be honest and open about your pain symptoms during your initial calls and consultations.
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach
The final thing to consider when settling on a physician, clinic or pain specialist is the approach. Pain can be treated most effectively when a multi-disciplinary approach is taken that combines various therapies and hands-on patient counsel. Look for a physician or specialist that treats pain with multiple modalities, not just medication. Here are some common alternative treatment options to be aware of:
- Electrical Stimulation
- Blocks and Injections
- Surgical Procedures
- Alternative Medicine
- Therapies and Counseling
At Summa Pain Care, we focus on treating the whole patient, taking a comprehensive approach at diagnosis and pain treatment. Unlike our competitors, we help patients understand where the pain is coming from and why it began, before creating a customized treatment program. For more information about Pain Treatment Centers, visit Summa Pain Care or call 623.776.8686.
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