The Types Of Treatment Available From A Tampa Pain Management Clinic

By Marissa Velazquez


A Tampa pain management clinic will see patients who suffer from chronic pains which may be the result of illness, injury or surgical procedures. A patient will not usually start by going to this type of medical facility, but will rather be referred by their general physician. At the clinics, patients will be treated for their distress, and the doctor will focus on managing their pains as well.

Often, someone is quite nervous when they have to go to some sort of hospital where they don't know the doctors, nurses and procedures. However, knowing a little more about how the place works, and what to expect, can be encouraging. Firstly, it is wise to arrive sooner rather than later for your appointment. Doctors may have a couple of people to see at the same time, and will therefore see the first person who arrives.

As with most medical facilities, there are forms that need to be completed. Various information is asked, which may include whether you have medical insurance and if you are currently taking any medications. All personal details are required as well, such as your address, birth date, full name, etc. These forms are filled in upon your first visit to the facility.

Your new physician will need to know everything about your medical health, and it is therefore important that you show him any information gathered from previous doctor visits. Put previous x-rays or scan results into an envelope so that the hospital can keep them if necessary. At your initial consultation, you will receive various assessments by nurses and doctors.

Be prepared to answer several questions from the nurse who starts your evaluation. She will do tests to find out your temperature and blood pressure, and will also take note of your current weight. In addition she will need to know various things about your lifestyle, your family's medical history, past medications prescribed and allergies. Always give answers that are as truthful as possible.

The nurse will ask questions about the painfulness of your condition. She might ask that you indicate on a drawing of a body where your pain is located, and will ask if you are also suffering from additional problems, such as fatigue or nausea. Once all this information has been obtained, you will be ready for your consultation with the doctor.

Your doctor will then decide how to help you. He may suggest some medications which are usually of the anti-inflammatory, antidepressant or anti-seizure variety, or he may recommend that you follow some specific exercise routines, either at home or at the hospital. Furthermore, pain-blocking injections may be prescribed, which can provide relief for a decent length of time.

More invasive treatments include surgery. Surgery is not often the first recommendation, but may be necessary if other medication proves in-affective. During surgical procedures, a patient may receive an implant of a spinal cord stimulator or an infusion pump. A Tampa pain management clinic is the best place to go when you are unable to get sufficient help from an ordinary physician.




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