Pain Management
Unlike other medical specialties that focus on a medical "cure," the goals of the physiatrist and physical medicine are to maximize patients' independence in activities of daily living and improve quality of life.
Physiatrists are experts in designing comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans for those with physical impairments or disabilities affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Sometimes pain is associated with these conditions.
Your pain is unique to you, and there are safe, effective ways to treat it. Many serious diseases or conditions cause pain that comes and goes or is constant. This pain can vary from mild to severe.
Our pain management specialists are here to help. We will answer your questions about pain management and recommend procedures and treatments that can provide relief for your acute or chronic pain.
What is pain management?
Pain is described as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage.
Pain management means understanding the source of pain and controlling your pain by following a treatment plan written just for you. These plans can include the following options.
- Psychological therapy
- Physical therapy
- Exercise regimens
- Acupuncture
- Specific diet plans
- Localized anesthetics
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Prescription drugs
- Patient education and support
Pain management also includes understanding that some pain cannot be fully relieve. MaineGeneral Physiatry can help you develop realistic outcomes and expectations from treatment.
