Stop Powering Through the Discomfort: When to Finally See a Pain Specialist 

It’s easy to dismiss discomfort and pain as a simple fact of life that will either get better or remain an inevitable part of getting older. Persistent or recurring pain isn’t, however, normal, and it may signal a need for professional pain management care. 

Dr. Adam Shestack and Dr. Cy Blanco at Florida Pain Management Institute in Delray Beach and Boynton Beach, Florida, provide the expertise to create a comprehensive, personalized plan that minimizes the distractions of your condition, helps you return to pain-free living, and restores your quality of life. 

Let’s review some of the most common signs it’s time to see a pain specialist. Book a consultation if you recognize one or more of these signs. 

Signs that it’s time to see a pain management specialist

Pain and your response to it are highly personal. It’s a balance of pain tolerance, the emotional impact of your condition, levels of stress in your life, and a wide range of other factors that contribute to a complex pain scenario that could overwhelm you into thinking there’s nothing you can do. 

The following signs can serve as indicators that it’s time to stop accepting your pain and seek out appropriate medical care. 

Pain lasts longer than expected

Generally, pain improves with time. A typical pattern goes from injury to self-care, with pain gradually reducing in severity as your body heals naturally. If you’ve been dealing with a pain condition, constant or recurring, for longer than three months, it’s considered chronic, and it’s time to seek more advanced treatment. 

Over-the-counter medications aren’t enough

Occasional use of OTC medications to manage pain is a popular way to deal with aches and pains that crop up from time to time. However, these are not intended for daily or regular use in managing pain, unless under the supervision of a pain management physician, typically as part of a comprehensive, multimodal treatment plan. 

Pain disrupts sleep

When your pain issues interfere with your ability to fall asleep, cause you to wake during the night, or interfere with falling back asleep, then the potential impact on your health becomes widespread. Without a healthy, regular sleep cycle, you can experience daytime fatigue, higher stress levels, and irritability, along with slower natural healing. 

Everyday tasks become difficult

We take physical activities for granted, like walking, climbing stairs, exercising, doing household and work tasks, or pursuing a favorite hobby. When discomfort and pain make these more difficult, your quality of life can suffer quickly. 

Pain continues to recur

When your pain condition comes and goes frequently, rather than falling into a pattern of self-care until symptoms improve, consider visiting us for a full assessment. While your home routine may help you when pain hits, there may be options to prevent the return of pain. 

Living with a pain condition is choosing to see your discomfort as inevitable. Contact the team at Florida Pain Management Institute to learn more about the treatment options available to you. Call or click on our most convenient office to schedule your visit today.