How Often Should You Visit a Pain Specialist?

Whether you’re dealing with ongoing pain or recovering from an injury, seeing a pain specialist can make a real difference in how you feel day to day. But how often should you go? And what exactly does a pain specialist do, anyway? 

Find out what you can expect, how these visits can help, and how to figure out the right schedule for your care below. 

How Often Should You Visit a Pain Specialist?

How often you see a pain specialist largely depends on your situation, like how bad your pain is, what treatments you’re trying, and how well they work. That said, here are some general things to expect: 

Starting Out

When you first begin working with a pain specialist, you’ll probably have appointments more often, maybe once a week or every couple of weeks. These early visits are important because they help your doctor figure out what’s working, what’s not, and if your medication or treatment plan needs to be adjusted. It’s all about getting your pain under control as quickly and safely as possible.

Maintenance Visits

Once your pain starts to improve and things feel more stable, you might not need to go as often. Many people switch to seeing their specialist once a month. These check-ins ensure everything is still working and give you a chance to talk about any new symptoms or concerns without the hassle of frequent trips.

Long-Term Management

For people with long-term or chronic pain, you’ll likely have follow-ups as part of your personalized plan. Similar to the above, these visits will help your specialist make sure your treatment is still the right fit and adjust it if your pain changes over time. It’s a way to keep things in check while giving you more freedom between appointments.

Factors That Affect How Often You Should Go to Pain Management

What’s Being Treated

Treating an injury might require more frequent visits at first, while long-term, chronic pain may only need regular check-ins to keep things on track. 

Your Pain Level

Your body’s response to treatment also matters. If your pain isn’t improving or it’s getting worse, your doctor will want to see you more to adjust your treatment. 

Other Conditions

Other health issues can also play a part in this. Conditions like diabetes or arthritis can make pain harder to manage, so your specialist might suggest more frequent visits to make sure everything’s working together safely. 

Signs It’s Time to Schedule or Increase Visits to Your Pain Specialist

We get it; it’s not always easy to tell when to check in with your pain specialist, but staying on top of your care is key to getting the best results. If any of the following sound familiar, it might be time to reach out for an appointment: 

• Your Pain Isn’t Getting Better: If you’re sticking to your treatment plan but your pain isn’t improving (or is worsening), it’s probably a good idea to reach out; this could mean your current medication or therapy isn’t working as well as it should, and your specialist may need to adjust your plan. 

• New or Different Symptoms Show Up: Pain that changes, whether it’s more intense, moves to a new spot, or feels different than before, is a sign that something might be going on. These changes could point to a new or worsening condition that your doctor needs to check out. 

• Pain Is Affecting Your Daily Life: When pain starts getting in the way of your normal routine, like working, exercising, sleeping, or even spending time with family, it’s time to get help. Your pain specialist can offer other treatments or tools to help you get back to doing the things you enjoy. 

• You’re Feeling Overwhelmed or Stressed: Chronic pain isn’t just physical; it can wear you down mentally and emotionally, too. If you’re feeling more anxious, stressed, or even depressed because of your pain, don’t keep it to yourself. Your doctor can recommend ways to help with the emotional side of pain, like counseling, support groups, or stress-relief techniques. 

What to Expect at Your Visits

At your first visit, your licensed pain specialist will ask about your pain (how long you’ve had it, what it feels like, what makes it better or worse, what treatments you’ve already tried, etc.). They’ll also review your medical history and any medications you’re currently taking, so it helps to have that information ready. 

Next, they’ll likely do a physical exam to check your movement, strength, and flexibility, which will help them understand how your pain is affecting your body day to day. Depending on what they find, they might order tests like X-rays, MRIs, or bloodwork to get a clearer picture of what’s going on. 

Once they’ve gathered everything, your specialist will discuss your treatment options, which could include medications, physical therapy referrals, injections, or other treatments that fit your specific needs and lifestyle. Before you leave, you’ll get a plan for what happens next, whether that’s setting up another appointment, starting a new treatment, or making some changes at home to help manage your pain better. 

Benefits of Seeing a Pain Specialist Regularly

Seeing a pain specialist consistently allows your doctor to check how well your treatment is working and make changes if necessary. 

Regular appointments also help build trust and open communication between you and your doctor. When you feel comfortable talking honestly about your pain and progress, you’re more likely to get care that truly fits your needs.

Have Questions About Pain Management? Contact Us!

If you or someone you care about is living with chronic pain, call 865-503-6865 today to schedule an appointment with our East Tennessee licensed pain specialists. We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and helps you enjoy life again. 

Content checked by the licensed pain management specialists at Grace Point Pain Management