What to Expect at Your First Pain Management Appointment

A pain management doctor specializes in diagnosing, treating, and managing chronic or acute pain. These specialists focus on reducing pain and improving patients’ quality of life, often through a combination of non-surgical methods. Pain management doctors are trained in various medical fields, including anesthesiology, physical medicine, rehabilitation, and neurology. Their primary goal is to understand the source of the pain and provide effective treatments that help patients regain their ability to function normally in their daily activities.

These doctors assess and manage pain caused by numerous factors, including injury, illness, or surgery. They use a multi-disciplinary approach that can incorporate a range of treatment modalities, including medications, injections, and physical therapy. Pain management doctors also help patients manage the emotional and psychological impact of pain by offering support and alternative therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy. This holistic approach ensures that patients receive the most comprehensive care available, considering both the physical and emotional aspects of pain.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care, our pain management specialists, led by Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, are committed to helping patients find lasting relief. We take the time to listen to each patient’s concerns, thoroughly evaluate their condition, and create a customized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs. Whether you are dealing with chronic pain or recovering from an injury, our team is here to help guide you toward a pain-free life.

Pain management doctors use a variety of techniques to reduce pain and improve functionality, ensuring that each approach is tailored to the patient’s unique needs and condition. These treatments aim to address the root causes of pain, providing long-term relief and enhancing overall quality of life.
One of the most common approaches is medication management. Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, or topical treatments, are prescribed to help control pain and reduce inflammation. These medications may be used in combination with other therapies to manage both acute and chronic pain effectively.

Physical therapy is another key technique used in pain management. It helps restore mobility, strengthen muscles, and improve flexibility around the affected areas. By targeting specific muscle groups and joint movements, physical therapy can reduce discomfort, improve function, and prevent future injuries.

In addition to these non-invasive methods, some patients may benefit from advanced techniques like spinal cord stimulation or radiofrequency ablation. Spinal cord stimulation involves placing a small device near the spinal cord to deliver electrical impulses, interrupting pain signals before they reach the brain. At Physicians Now Urgent Care, our approach to pain management is comprehensive and customized for each patient. Led by Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, our team combines medications, physical therapy, and advanced techniques to ensure the best possible care. We focus on treating the root cause of your pain, rather than merely masking symptoms, enabling you to experience lasting relief and regain your quality of life.

Pain management doctors treat a wide range of conditions that cause both acute and chronic pain. These specialists focus on conditions that impact a person’s quality of life and mobility, with the goal of reducing pain and improving overall function. Common conditions treated by pain management specialists include back pain, neck pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, sciatica, and musculoskeletal injuries. They also manage pain related to surgeries, such as post-operative pain, and those caused by trauma, like fractures or sprains.

Chronic pain conditions, such as migraines and neuropathic pain, are also within the scope of pain management. These types of pain can be debilitating and require long-term care and specialized approaches. Pain management doctors employ a variety of techniques, including medication management, physical therapy, and advanced procedures to address these complex issues. They work closely with patients to understand the root cause of their pain and develop customized treatment plans to provide relief.

In addition to these conditions, pain management doctors treat pain associated with conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, or other neurological disorders. For cancer patients, pain management is crucial in controlling symptoms and improving comfort during treatment. Similarly, for individuals with autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, pain management specialists help manage flare-ups and prevent long-term damage to joints and other tissues. At Physicians Now Urgent Care, our team, led by Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, provides comprehensive care to address the full spectrum of pain conditions, focusing on personalized treatments designed to improve each patient’s quality of life.

Your first pain management appointment is designed to be thorough and informative. During the initial consultation, the pain management doctor will review your medical history, including any past injuries, surgeries, or existing conditions. The doctor will also ask about the nature of your pain—when it started, its severity, and how it affects your daily life. A comprehensive physical examination will help the doctor understand the underlying cause of your pain. If necessary, the doctor may also suggest diagnostic tests to further investigate the source of your discomfort.

Once the doctor has gathered enough information, they will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan may include medications, physical therapy, or more advanced procedures like injections or nerve blocks, depending on your condition. The pain management doctor will explain the various treatment options available and help you understand the potential benefits and risks of each. You’ll also be given guidance on lifestyle changes or at-home exercises that can support your recovery and help you manage pain more effectively.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care, our team, led by Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, is committed to making your first appointment a smooth and informative experience. We take the time to listen to your concerns, provide a thorough evaluation, and ensure that you feel comfortable with your treatment plan. Our goal is to help you manage your pain effectively and improve your overall well-being through personalized care and innovative pain management strategies.

At your first pain management appointment with Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, at Physicians Now Urgent Care, you will undergo a thorough evaluation to understand the source of your pain. Dr. Olisemeka will review your medical history, ask detailed questions about your pain, and perform a physical exam. This helps him determine the nature and severity of your pain, allowing him to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether you are dealing with acute or chronic pain, Dr. Olisemeka takes the time to ensure you fully understand your condition and treatment options.

Following the initial evaluation, Dr. Olisemeka may recommend diagnostic tests, such as imaging or lab work, to gain further insight into the cause of your pain. Based on this assessment, he will discuss various treatment options, which may include medications, physical therapy, or more advanced interventions like injections or nerve blocks. Dr. Olisemeka’s goal is to help you achieve effective pain relief and improve your quality of life through a combination of evidence-based treatments and compassionate care.

Contact us today for more information. Our urgent care is conveniently located at 15215 Shady Grove Rd., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. We serve patients from Rockville MD, Travilah MD, Lone Oak MD, Colesville Park MD, Redland MD, Darnestown MD, Anscroft MD, and Wheaton-Glenmont MD.