Key Takeaways
- Chronic pain lasts longer than three months and may continue after an injury has healed.
- Pain management specialists diagnose and treat persistent pain using personalized, multidisciplinary treatment plans.
- Treatment may include physical therapy, medication management, image-guided injections or minimally invasive procedures.
- Patients should seek medical care when pain interferes with movement, work, sleep or everyday activities.
September is Pain Awareness Month, an annual campaign dedicated to increasing understanding of chronic pain and the experiences of people living with it. Chronic pain can affect nearly every part of a person’s life, yet many patients wait months, or even years, before consulting a pain management specialist.
The following chronic pain FAQs address common questions patients ask when searching for pain management in Chicago, IL.
What Is Considered Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is generally defined as pain that lasts longer than three months. It can be constant or intermittent and may continue even after the original injury has healed.
Common chronic pain conditions include:
- Lower back and neck pain
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Arthritis and chronic joint pain
- Sciatica and nerve pain
- Migraine headaches
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Neuropathy
- Pain following an injury or surgery
- Check out our list of common pain conditions we treat near Chicago, IL
Chronic pain is not simply discomfort that a patient must learn to tolerate. It is a health condition that may require a detailed evaluation and ongoing treatment.
When Should I See a Pain Management Doctor?
Consider scheduling an appointment with a Chicago pain management doctor when pain:
- Lasts longer than expected
- Continues for three months or more
- Interferes with sleep or mobility
- Makes working or exercising difficult
- Causes numbness, tingling or weakness
- Has not improved with conservative care
- Requires increasingly frequent pain medication
A pain specialist can investigate the underlying cause and determine whether additional diagnostic testing or treatment is appropriate.
What Does a Pain Management Specialist Do?
A pain management specialist diagnoses and treats acute and chronic pain conditions. During an initial appointment, the physician may review your health history, symptoms, prior treatments and imaging results. A physical examination can help determine which joints, nerves, muscles or spinal structures may be involved.
The goal is not only to temporarily mask symptoms. A comprehensive pain management plan may target inflammation, nerve irritation, impaired movement and other factors contributing to persistent pain.
Which Chronic Pain Treatments Are Available?
Treatment depends on the cause, severity and location of the pain. A personalized plan may include:
- Physical therapy or therapeutic exercise
- Activity and lifestyle modifications
- Non-opioid medication management
- Epidural steroid injections
- Medial branch blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Peripheral nerve blocks
- Sacroiliac joint injections
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Other minimally invasive pain procedures
Not every patient requires an injection or procedure. A pain management doctor should explain the available options, expected benefits and possible risks before recommending treatment.
Can Chronic Pain Be Treated Without Surgery?
Many chronic pain conditions can be managed without major surgery. Conservative care, targeted injections and minimally invasive pain treatments may reduce symptoms and improve function sustainably.
When surgery might be appropriate, a pain specialist can help determine when a surgical evaluation should be considered. The best treatment is based on the patient’s diagnosis, not a one-size-fits-all pathway.
How Do I Prepare for My First Pain Management Appointment?
Bring a list of current medications, relevant imaging reports, previous treatment records and notes about your symptoms. It may help to track when the pain occurs, what makes it worse and how it affects your daily routine.
Premier Pain & Spine provides personalized pain management in the Chicago area, with locations in Schaumburg, Downers Grove and Berwyn. If chronic pain is limiting your quality of life, an evaluation can be the first step toward understanding its cause and exploring appropriate treatment options.
Schaumburg: 1365 Wiley Rd. #153, Schaumburg, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Downers Grove: 3800 Highland Ave. # 101, Downers Grove, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Berwyn: 6920 Ogden Ave. Suite C, Berwyn, IL. Phone: 708-637-3534
Chronic Pain FAQs
Q: Can chronic pain exist without a visible injury?
A: Yes. Chronic pain may be associated with nerve dysfunction, arthritis, previous injuries or changes in how the nervous system processes pain. Imaging does not always reflect the full severity of a patient’s symptoms.
Q: Will I receive medication at my first appointment?
A: Not necessarily. The physician will first evaluate your symptoms, medical history and previous treatments. Medication is only one potential part of a comprehensive pain management plan.
Q: Are pain management injections permanent?
A: Most injections are not considered permanent treatments. Their duration and effectiveness vary according to the diagnosis and individual patient. Some injections also provide diagnostic information that guides the next stage of care.
Q: Do I need a referral to visit Premier Pain & Spine?
A: Referral requirements vary by insurance plan. Patients should check their coverage or contact the office for assistance before scheduling.
Q: Where does Premier Pain & Spine have Chicago-area pain clinics?
A: Premier Pain & Spine has offices in Schaumburg, Downers Grove and Berwyn, Illinois.