What is a pain management specialist?  

A pain management specialist is a trained physician specialising in pain medicine. Pain medicine involves managing patients suffering from different pain problems. Pain problems can be classified as: acute – usually associated to post-operative, post-injury/trauma and pain derived from medications or illness; chronic – made up of long-term, persistent pain and also an illness in its own right; cancer pain – directly related to pain from tumours or as a side effect of cancer treatment.  

Pain management specialists often serve as consultants, working together with other healthcare providers, such as physical therapists, and coordinate patient care. They diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment and offer support patients and their families. You can find a pain management specialist working in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals and pain clinics.  

When to see a pain management specialist?  

If you are experiencing any pain that is causing you discomfort, you should first book an appointment with your GP or primary care doctor. If you have been suffering from back pain, join pain, abdominal pain, cancer pain, or other forms of pain such as these for three months, this is considered chronic pain. If your symptoms fit those of chronic pain, you should see your GP for referral or go directly to a pain management specialist. Similarly, if you are receiving treatment for acute or chronic pain and are still experiencing discomfort, you should contact a pain management specialist.  

Common conditions 

Acute pain:  

• Pain from injury 
• Pain from surgery 
• Pain from illness 

Chronic pain: 

• Back and neck pain 
• Headaches 
• Regional pain 
• Nerve injury pain 

• Musculoskeletal pain 
• Pain from illness unresponsive to treatment