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When to See a Specialist About Chronic Pain

When to See a Specialist About Chronic Pain

For many people, pain is an all-too-common part of life. Yet, when discomfort shifts from a transient ache to a constant companion, life can become a daily struggle. Chronic pain not only impedes your everyday activities but can also cloud your mental well-being. 

If you’re struggling with chronic pain, it’s time to see a pain expert. At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, our pain specialist Dr. Brian K. Rich stands ready to help you win the battle against chronic pain. Whether you’ve tried other treatments without success, or your chronic pain is a new issue, Dr. Rich can help you find an effective solution to bring relief. 

Recognizing chronic pain

Chronic pain is a persistent or intermittent discomfort that lasts three months or more, often continuing even after the injury or illness that initially caused it has healed. This could be pain lingering from a surgical procedure, a long-term backache, arthritis, or even fibromyalgia or neuropathy

When to see a specialist

You may have a high tolerance for pain or are adept at adjusting to discomfort. But there comes a point when bearing the burden alone is not only challenging but could be detrimental to your overall health. 

Here are a few indicators that it’s time to visit a specialist like our experts at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics:

Pain persists beyond expected recovery time

If you've had an injury or undergone surgery and the pain lingers far beyond the estimated recovery period, it's time to seek a specialist's help. Persistent pain may indicate complications or another underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Pain interferes with daily life

When chronic pain becomes a hurdle in accomplishing daily tasks like working, sleeping, eating, or simply enjoying life, it's a sign to consult a pain specialist. You shouldn't have to compromise on the quality of your life because of constant pain.

Pain is accompanied by anxiety or depression

Chronic pain and mental health are closely intertwined. If you notice feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, or other emotional changes accompanying your physical pain, it's crucial to seek professional help. A specialist can not only address your physical discomfort but also provide resources to handle the mental health aspects of chronic pain.

Pain is unresponsive to over-the-counter medication

If over-the-counter pain relievers aren't easing your discomfort, or you find yourself increasingly relying on them, a visit to a specialist is warranted. Long-term use of such medications can lead to other health issues.

Treating chronic pain 

At aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, we provide a comprehensive range of advanced treatment options for chronic pain that affects various areas of the body, including the neck, back, knee, shoulder, and hip.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure in which heat generated from radio waves is used to target specific nerves and temporarily turn off their ability to send pain signals. 

This treatment can be remarkably effective for chronic pain in the neck, back, and knees. It's an especially viable option for patients whose pain originates from the facet joints in the spine or from degenerative knee conditions.

Peripheral nerve stimulation

Peripheral nerve stimulation is another innovative treatment. It involves using a small device that sends electrical signals to the nerves to disrupt pain signals before they reach the brain. 

Interspinous fusion

For patients struggling with chronic back pain, especially due to degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis, interspinous fusion can be a game-changer. This surgical procedure involves stabilizing the spine by fusing the problematic vertebrae together, which can dramatically alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Every patient's pain is unique, and at aCELLerated Interventional Orthopedics, we firmly believe in tailoring treatments to individual needs. Dr. Rich is prepared to partner with you to formulate a personalized treatment plan to reclaim your life from the shackles of chronic pain. 

To learn more, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rich. We have clinics in

Lawton, Oklahoma, and Decatur, Texas.

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Radiofrequency ablation is advancing the way we manage chronic pain, offering a minimally invasive solution with lasting results. Discover how this innovative treatment can help ease your pain and boost your quality of life.