Chronic pain touches all aspects of the sufferer’s life. You may be dealing with more than just the physical challenges. Mental health, and your attitude toward your pain and treatment also figure into the treatment plan and outlook. When you visit the Trident Pain Center, you’ll receive a full medical evaluation and we’ll begin to explore the treatments that can alleviate your chronic pain. Plan to spend at least 30-60 minutes at your first visit.
Plan Ahead
Your first visit may seem overwhelming. There will be information you want to communicate and information we need to begin to evaluate your case and help determine what treatments have the best chance of being effective against your pain. At Trident Pain Center, we do our best to work with our patients, to encourage clear communication, and to understand what you’re going through. We work together with our patients as members of the same team, working toward a mutual goal. With this in mind, it’s important to provide as much information about the specifics of your case and the treatments you’ve tried up to this point. Be sure to submit requests for your medical records from other doctors to be released to us well in advance of your first visit. This will provide us with important information that will help us understand your specific needs.
Communication is Key
When meeting with our doctors, you’ll be asked specific questions about your pain. You may be asked to rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10, and to describe the sensation. These questions and evaluations help us better understand your pain and help us develop the best plan for addressing it. Working with our patients, we strive to develop treatment plans that treat the whole person, not just the pain. To that end, we may recommend psychological counseling in addition to pain management treatments.
Expectations
Seeking relief from chronic pain can be extremely frustrating. Some patients come in with the expectation of a “magic pill” that will alleviate symptoms immediately. Others come in determined to avoid taking medication at all. The reality of chronic pain management is that it takes time to develop a treatment plan that is effective. You are a unique individual and your pain is unique as well. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Working with us and being dedicated to participating in your own recovery is the best way to beat chronic pain.
Call us today, to schedule your first visit, and start the journey to better living. You can get relief for your chronic pain. We’re here to help.
