When Do I Crossover from Pain Management to an Orthopedic Surgeon

Many patients need clarification about the difference between a pain management specialist and an orthopedic surgeon and when to switch over. If you have been experiencing discomfort in your neck, spine, joints, or elsewhere, you may wonder which type of doctor to consult. There is some overlap between these two professions. It is essential to know when a pain management specialist isn’t doing the trick anymore and when it’s time to crossover to an orthopedic surgeon.

Pain Management Physicians

One of the significant differences between a pain management physician and an orthopedic surgeon is that pain management physicians are trained to treat all types of pain without surgery. Patients tend to have general pain somewhere in their body, including:

• Neck
• Hips
• Back
• Knees

A pain management physician can treat moderate to mild pain, no matter where the patient is experiencing it. Additionally, they can target the exact place where the pain comes from as certain conditions are happening in one part of the body and causing pain in another. They are also specialists in targeting the pain and performing treatments, so it doesn’t come back. Different pain management physicians use various techniques and work with other medical specialists to develop treatment plants. Below are a few types of treatments that a pain management specialist may use:

Physical therapy and Chiropractic Care

Physical therapy and chiropractic care are one of the leading solutions for various pain problems. Within the domain of physical therapy, multiple treatments can be used to improve a patient’s condition, and these include:

• Massages
• Stretching
• Spine manipulations
• Exercise
• Cold and heat therapies
• Among others

Physical therapy and chiropractic care are two leading forms of non-surgical treatment for pain currently available.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine still used to treat inflammation, pain, and discomfort in the body. During an acupuncture session, the patient has tiny pins inserted into their skin at various key points to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Orthopedic Surgeons

An orthopedic surgeon specializes in the musculoskeletal system and compromise of the ligaments, muscles, joints, and tendons. The musculoskeletal system is one of the essential systems in the body as it allows us to complete specific tasks, including:

• Typing
• Moving from one place to another
• Talk
• Lift things
• Writing
• Running
• Among so much more

These specialists have the skills to alleviate back pain, locate fractured bones, and fix joints. An orthopedic surgeon can treat all 200 bones in the human body and is equipped to deal with various issues, including:

• Arthritis
• Degenerative conditions
• Acute chronic
• Back pain
• Hip pain
• Among others

Orthopedic Surgeons for Different Areas of the Body

Since orthopedics is the branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the entire musculoskeletal system and a wide range of issues, each orthopedic surgeon generally specializes in some regions of the body. For example, Dr. McPhilamy specializes in the following:

1. Knee

• Primary and revision total knee replacement
• Unicompartmental knee replacement
• MAKO robotically assisted knee replacement

2. Hip

• Direct anterior minimally invasive hip replacement
• MAKO robotically assisted hip replacement
• Revision hip replacement

3. Shoulder

• Primary and reverse total shoulder replacement
• Shoulder (Glenohumeral) Arthritis
• Rotator Cuff Tear Arthropathy

Why Do Patients Switch from Pain Management Services to an Orthopedic Surgeon?

Chiropractic care and other pain management services are generally recommended for patients who want to avoid surgery. However, there are certain conditions where pain management services will only provide temporary pain relief, with the problem consistently returning. Therefore, patients are either recommended by a pain management specialist or seek help independently.

A patient visits an orthopedic surgeon when the body is too far deteriorated to benefit from any non-surgical therapy or when non-invasive methods have proven unsuccessful. If you are someone who has exhausted your efforts in trying to get rid of pain and discomfort through non-invasive techniques, then it’s time to visit an orthopedic surgeon.

Signs You Need to See an Orthopedic Specialist

Suppose you are in constant pain and discomfort and are experiencing symptoms that point to an injury to the musculoskeletal system. In that case, it may be time to see an orthopedic surgeon. Your primary care physician or pain management specialist may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon if you are experiencing symptoms such as:

1. You Suffer From Chronic Pain – This type of pain is defined as lasting longer than 12 weeks. While discomfort for a few days is one thing, constant pain that lasts several weeks and even months is a sign you need professional help.
2. You have Difficulty Performing Everyday Activities – While joint and bone discomfort is common within older people, it should never inhibit your ability to perform daily activities and tasks. These may include going for daily walks, cooking, climbing stairs, etc.
3. You Have Suffered a Soft Tissue Injury That Hasn’t Improved in 48 Hours – Have you recently suffered a soft tissue injury? These include a twisted knee, muscle strain in the shoulder, or sprained ankle. No improvement in 2 days can be a severe problem.
4. Your Range of Motion is Becoming Limited – Are your joints feeling tighter each day? A limited range of motion can signify different joint diseases, such as arthritis.

What To Expect With Orthopedic Care

After you’ve decided to make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist, you may have what to expect in your mind. When you seek an orthopedic surgeon to diagnose and treat your condition, your orthopedic surgeon will perform the following:

1. Take a medical history – During your primary consultation, your specialists will go over your complete medical history, including current medications, diagnosed medical conditions, and a history of injuries or accidents. Additionally, your doctor will want to know all about the pain and symptoms you are currently experiencing.
2. Physical exams: Next on the list is a series of physical exams to identify the different areas that are experiencing discomfort while also testing your strength, range of motion, and flexibility. Here you will describe where the pain is and its intensity.
3. Order tests. Your specialist may order lab work, blood work, nerve studies, or imaging exams to check for abnormalities.
4. Make a treatment plan. Once your surgeon has made a diagnosis, they will create a unique treatment plan to help heal any injuries, improve your functional mobility, and significantly reduce your pain. Each treatment is completely unique to the patient.

Contact McPhilamy Bone and Joint

When pain management services aren’t reducing the pain and correcting the condition that you are suffering from, it’s time to see an orthopedic surgeon. Dr. McPhilamy is one of Texas’s leading bone and joint specialists, ready to help you get your life back! Schedule an appointment with McPhilamy Bone and Joint today.