If you are looking for a health care provider to help treat your arthritis or joint pain, you have many options. Many primary care physicians are well informed about treating pain and can be relied on to provide excellent care. But if you and your primary care physician agree, a pain specialist might be appropriate in your case. Pain specialists have additional training and experience in the management of pain that you may find valuable.
Here are some of the types of physicians who can help you with pain management advice:
Primary Care Provider: Family/General Practice Physician, Nurse Practitioner and/or Physician's Assistant
Family/General Practice Physician: A physician who provides a complete spectrum of care, dealing with problems that often combine physical, psychological, and social components. They have extensive knowledge of medical conditions and are able to assess a problem and decide on the appropriate course of action. These practitioners intervene through treatment, prevention, and education to promote the health of their patients and families.
Nurse Practitioner (NP, ARNP): A registered nurse with a master's or doctoral degree who is licensed to diagnose and manage illness and disease. They may work within a physician practice or as an independent health care provider. In many states, they may prescribe medications.
Physician Assistant (PA): A health care professional licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. They conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and in many states can write prescriptions.
Neurologist
A physician trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system, which is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Orthopedist
A physician who specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of painful diseases that involve muscles and bones.
Pain Medicine Specialist
A physician who has additional specialty training in the treatment of numerous pain conditions; their primary training may differ, anywhere from anesthesiology, neurology, neurosurgery, physical medicine to primary care. Often, they work with other pain specialty providers, such as nurses, psychologists, social workers, physical therapists, and others, to treat pain in a variety of ways.
Rheumatologist
A physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones.
Additional Information
You can find additional information through the following resources:
