When Should You See a Pain Management Doctor?

If you experience persistent pain lasting beyond the normal healing time—typically longer than three to six months—it’s essential to consult with our healthcare professionals. Chronic pain can signal more complex underlying issues, and our team can help determine the next steps for effective management.

Pain that interferes with your ability to enjoy daily activities, work, exercise, or pursue hobbies is a significant concern. Our family medicine team is equipped to assess your pain and coordinate with specialized pain management professionals if needed. Together, we can develop a personalized strategy to help you regain control and improve your quality of life.

For those who have tried various treatments such as over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, or home remedies without relief, Family Medicine Healthcare can provide a comprehensive evaluation and discuss alternative options. Our partnership with pain management specialists ensures access to a wide range of tools and techniques, ranging from medications to advanced procedures.

If your pain is accompanied by symptoms like numbness, weakness, or tingling, or if you notice a sudden increase in pain intensity, our medical team is prepared to address these concerns promptly. We emphasize the importance of timely intervention to prevent further complications.

At Family Medicine Healthcare, your health and comfort are our top priorities. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you’re experiencing chronic pain, and let us help you navigate the journey toward relief and improved quality of life.

We focus on treating both acute and chronic pain by utilizing a multidisciplinary approach that is tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Acute pain, often resulting from injuries, surgeries, or illnesses, can be effectively managed through a combination of medications, physical therapy, and interventions such as nerve blocks. Our team works closely with patients to ensure timely and effective relief from these types of pain.

Chronic pain, which persists beyond the normal healing period, requires a more nuanced strategy. Conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, and neuropathic pain are approached with individualized treatment plans that may include pharmacological therapies, interventional procedures, and lifestyle modifications. Dr Samir AbdelShaheed, MD collaborates with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and psychologists, to provide comprehensive care that addresses physical, emotional, and social factors contributing to pain.

We prioritize a holistic, patient-centered approach to pain management. Open communication with our patients is key to understanding their symptoms and treatment goals, enabling us to develop the most effective management plans. Our commitment is to empower patients through education and collaborative care, ensuring they achieve the best possible outcomes in their pain management journey.

During your initial visit, our healthcare providers will engage in a detailed discussion about your symptoms, including the nature, frequency, and impact on your daily life. We believe that understanding your unique situation is crucial to tailoring an effective treatment plan. This conversation also includes reviewing any previous treatments you have tried and their outcomes to ensure we build on what’s worked best for you.

Following this discussion, a physical examination will be conducted. Our team will assess your overall health, identify any areas of concern, and may perform tests to evaluate your range of motion, strength, and neurological function. Depending on these findings, we might suggest additional diagnostic tests such as X-rays or blood work to better understand any underlying issues.

At Family Medicine Healthcare, we prioritize collaborative care. After gathering all necessary information, we will discuss potential treatment options with you, which may include medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle modifications. We focus on educating you about each option, highlighting the benefits and any potential risks, allowing you to make informed decisions about your health. Together, we will develop a personalized treatment plan that aims to improve not just your physical well-being, but your overall quality of life.

We also believe in the importance of monitoring and adapting your care plan as needed. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your healthcare strategy remains effective and responsive to your needs. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources to manage your health effectively over the long term, promoting a higher quality of life.

We understand that recognizing when pain requires specialized care is crucial for ensuring proper treatment and management. If you’re experiencing persistent pain that lasts longer than expected—especially beyond the normal healing time—it may be time for a more in-depth evaluation by a specialist.

When to Consider Specialized Care:
● Persistent or Severe Pain: If your pain is severe and debilitating, preventing you from carrying out daily activities or affecting your quality of life, seeking specialized attention is advisable.

● Progressive or Spreading Pain: Pain that progressively worsens over time or spreads to other areas of the body might indicate an underlying condition that needs addressing.

● Accompanying Symptoms: Experiencing pain alongside other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fever, neurological symptoms like numbness or tingling, or loss of bowel or bladder control requires immediate consultation. Family Medicine Healthcare can guide you to the appropriate specialist for further examination.

● Unresponsive to Standard Treatments: If your pain does not respond to over-the-counter medications or standard treatments, our team can evaluate your condition and connect you with a specialist who can offer more targeted therapies.

● Chronic Conditions: For those with known chronic conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia, regular consultations with our healthcare providers can ensure your symptoms are managed effectively.

● Post-Surgical or Injury-Related Pain: If you experience pain following a recent surgery, injury, or accident that shows no sign of improvement, our medical professionals can assess your situation to rule out complications or serious conditions, and refer you to a specialist if needed.

Family Medicine Healthcare, is committed to providing comprehensive care and ensuring you receive the specialized attention you need for optimal health and well-being. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 3925 Portsmouth Boulevard, Chesapeake, VA 23321. We serve patients from Chesapeake VA, Portsmouth VA, Norfolk VA, Suffolk VA, Virginia Beach VA, and Hampton VA and surrounding areas.