Pain Management Los Angeles

What is pain?

Pain, physiologically speaking, is the unpleasant feelinpain management in Los Angelesg brought about as a symptom by some illness, dysfunction of organs, or injuries. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, intolerable aches. Pain is classified into two, depending on its origin. Nociceptive pain is described as discomfort from tissue damage or inflammation, commonly as in cases of broken bones and muscular tears. Neuropathic pain on the other hand, is discomfort arising from nerve damage, inflammation, or irritation, as in cases of sciatic pain and neuropathy. The pain may be termed acute if it is resolved quickly (six months at most by definition), or chronic, if it is persistent and stays for longer periods (more than six months). Regardless of the source or manifestation, pain does have the potential to limit a person’s day to day activities and his or her ability to enjoy life, especially if not managed properly.

What is pain management?

Pain management is a type of medical care that helps patients deal with pain. It brings together several disciplines in science such as neurology, anesthesiology, chiropractic and physical therapy, surgery, and psychiatry, for optimal pain prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This approach is mainly utilized by healthcare professionals in a bid to improve the quality of life of patients suffering from various ailments. In most cases, pain is dealt with to minimize distress in patients during the course of treatment and healing, as well as to allow the progress of procedures for rehabilitation that may otherwise be too painful. Pain management is carried out using various tools such as pain medications (anesthetics, pain-relievers, anti-inflammatory, and steroidal drugs), physical therapy, nerve blocks or nerve stimulants, or surgery.

What is the basis of pain management?

Needless to say, pain management cannot be done effectively without proper diagnosis. That being said, pain management strategies are decided after extensive and accurate evaluation of the cases. Patients are usually asked to orient the pain management team (or doctor) regarding the history of the pain, its locations, manifestations, intensity, duration, triggers, and relieving factors. After that, patients may be asked to undergo diagnostic procedures such as imaging tests (e.g. CT scans, etc.), physical and neurological examinations, and electrodiagnostic tools to also be able to check physiological irregularities. At this point, the pain management doctor should be able to determine the exact cause of the problem, and prescribe an appropriate course of action.

What are the usual pain management strategies?

An illness or injury is usually behind the symptomatic discomfort, so it is important to consult with a qualified medical practitioner in order to get the optimal care that does not only involve pain reduction, but also include treating the actual ailment. In the meantime, some of the pain management strategies employed by physicians are listed below:

• Administration of analgesics (mild to moderate pain)
• Use of opiates, narcotics, anti-inflammatory medicine, and antidepressants
• Nerve blocks
• Spinal and other nerve stimulations
• Physical therapy and acupuncture
• Surgical treatments

Where can I find pain management specialists in Los Angeles?

Are you in severe pain, and needing pain management in Los Angeles? Dr. Kevin Li, MD is a pain management specialist based in L.A., who could help you with your journey. He has pervasive experience in helping patients in pain with a wide range of conditions, and believes in comprehensive, patient-centered pain care. With his multiple certifications, trainings, and more than a decade of specialized practice, he could surely give you the best pain care you could get. Just get in touch with his clinic at (626) 538 – 8950 to set an appointment, and watch your pain go away.