Consultation for Chronic Pain Management in San Francisco, CA
Consultation for chronic pain management typically involves a thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals to understand the underlying causes and determine the most effective treatment plan. This may include a combination of medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and psychological support to address the complex nature of chronic pain. Meet Dr. Robert Savala MD at Presidio Pain Relief.
For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109.
When is pain classified as chronic?
Chronic pain persists for three to six months or longer, even after the initial injury or underlying cause has been treated, and may be intermittent or constant. It may feel like a dull ache, a sharp pain, or a burning sensation. The intensity of chronic pain often varies throughout the day and with activity levels.
This type of pain often interferes with daily activities, such as work, exercise, and sleep. If you find that your pain is consistently disrupting your ability to perform normal tasks, it is likely chronic. Chronic pain is commonly accompanied by other symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.
If you suspect that you are experiencing chronic pain, it’s recommended that you consult a pain management doctor, as they can help you manage your symptoms and prevent them from having a detrimental effect on your general wellness.
What is the best type of management for chronic pain?
Some of the common approaches to addressing chronic pain include:
Medications
Depending on the nature and severity of your pain, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribe muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or stronger painkillers.
Physical therapy
Physical therapists can tailor exercise programs to address pain as well as improve strength, flexibility, and joint function. In addition, physical therapy techniques, such as massage, manual manipulation, and joint mobilization, can reduce pain and improve mobility.
Interventional procedures
Steroid injections or nerve blocks can be used to provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation or interrupting pain signals from nerves. In addition, radiofrequency ablation can be used to disrupt nerve signals and provide pain relief.
Surgical implants
Intrathecal drug delivery and spinal cord stimulation are two pain management options that are considered when first-line treatments have not been effective.
The best pain management strategy for chronic pain varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the underlying cause of the pain, its intensity, and how it affects your daily life. To find out which pain management approach is best for you, schedule a consultation at Presidio Pain Relief.
What are 5 coping skills for chronic pain patients?
Living with chronic pain is often challenging, but developing effective coping skills can significantly improve your quality of life. These essential skills include:
Practicing acceptance
Acceptance involves acknowledging the presence of chronic pain without letting it dominate your life.
Focusing on relaxation
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can be used to manage stress when living with chronic pain. These practices promote a state of calm, which can help decrease the intensity of pain.
Leading a balanced lifestyle
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle is crucial for managing chronic pain. This includes regular physical activity, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Understanding the psychology of pain
Chronic pain is not only a physical condition but also has significant psychological aspects. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in helping patients understand and change negative thought patterns that can worsen chronic pain.
Developing coping skills that work
What works for some patients does not work for others, so it’s important to find the coping strategies that work well for you.
Do you provide chronic pain management consultations in San Francisco, CA?
Yes, we provide chronic pain management consultations at Presidio Pain Relief in San Francisco. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping patients pinpoint and manage chronic pain through personalized treatment plans. We offer a range of services tailored to your specific needs, including physical therapy, trigger point injections, medication management, and drug therapy.
Our experts will work with you to understand how your pain affects you and help you develop useful coping skills to improve your quality of life. To schedule a consultation and get started toward better wellness, contact us or book an appointment with the experienced team at Presidio Pain Relief in San Francisco, California. We are conveniently located at 2000 Van Ness Ave, #208 San Francisco, CA 94109.