A pain physician deals with the prevention,
evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of painful
disorders. These disorders may have pain and associated symptoms arising
from a discrete cause, such as postoperative pain or pain associated
with a malignancy, or may be syndromes in which pain constitutes the
primary problem, such as neuropathic pains or headaches.
The diagnosis
of painful syndromes relies on interpretation of historical data, review
of previous laboratory, imaging, and electro-diagnostic studies;
behavioral, social, occupational and a vocational assessment; interview
and examination by the pain specialist; and may require specialized
diagnostic procedures, including central and peripheral neural blockade
or monitored drug infusions. The special needs of the pediatric and
geriatric populations are also considered when formulating a
comprehensive treatment plan for these patients.
The pain physician serves as a consultant to other physicians but is
often the principal treating physician. They provide care at various
levels, such as direct treatment, prescribing medication, prescribing
rehabilitative services, performing pain relieving procedures, and
counseling of patients and families. In addition, a pain physician may
also provide direction for a multidisciplinary team, coordination of
care with other healthcare providers, and consultative services to
public and private agencies pursuant to optimal healthcare delivery to
the patient suffering from a painful disorder.
