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Pain Management Specialists NYC

According to the National Institutes of Health, pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined, and it is the leading cause of disability. A pain management specialist is a physician who specializes in diagnosing, managing and treating different types of pain problems. There are different types of pain, namely chronic pain, acute pain, cancer pain or a combination of these. Sometimes pain can occur due to a specific cause, such as an injury or surgery, while in other cases there may be no marked cause at all.

There is a wide range of pain problems, and pain specialists hold expertise in evaluating patients, diagnosing a variety of pain problems, performing appropriate procedures and prescribing pain medication when needed. A pain management doctor can work with a physical therapist, psychologist, anesthesiologist or other specialized healthcare professional to provide comprehensive pain management care.

Find the best pain management doctors in NYC

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Chronic pain vs. acute pain

Persistent or long-term pain is known as chronic pain. In many cases, the pain goes away on its own. However, in other cases, chronic pain can occur due to an underlying issue (e.g., arthritis) or even without the presence of an evident injury or tissue damage. When pain persists without a prominent cause, it may be due to damage to the nerves (neuropathic pain). Chronic pain can be hard to treat, which can have a psychological effect on people: Poorly managed pain can lead to depression, frustration, insomnia or loss of appetite.

Acute pain is short-term pain that resolves itself over time. The leading causes of acute pain include injuries, surgery and illness. Acute pain is usually easily identifiable in terms of the cause. It occurs due to tissue damage and goes away once the underlying cause has healed. Short-term pain is easier to manage. Common examples of acute pain are sprained ankles, fractures and burns.

Sources: American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain MedicineNational Institutes of Health, American Chronic Pain Association, MedlinePlus

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.