Interventional Pain Management Clinic Timeline

The treatment timeline at an interventional pain management clinic is determined by the chronic pain the patient is experiencing. Each chronic pain issue can have a different treatment timeline. Here are some of the chronic pain treatments we offer and their projected timelines: 

Diagnosis and Evaluation

Upon arriving for an appointment with an interventional pain management physician, you will work with the doctor to determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. At St Louis Pain Consultants, we offer pain services for the following chronic pain conditions: 

• Arthritis
• Sciatica
• Degenerative Disc Disease
• Herniated Disc
• Facet Joint Syndrome
• Foraminal Stenosis
• Spinal Stenosis
• Spinal Osteoarthritis
• Spondylitis
• Spondylolisthesis
• Scoliosis
• Neuropathy
• Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
• Joint & Muscle Pain
• Headache Pain
• Pelvic Pain
• Cancer Pain

Our interventional pain management physicians will conduct a comprehensive medical history, physical examination, and when warranted recommend nerve conduction studies, x-rays, CT scans, an MRI, or blood work. The time it takes to diagnose your chronic pain can depend on various factors, such as testing availability and the complexity of your case. At St. Louis Pain Consultants, we make it a priority to see new patients within a two-week window. 

Find the Underlying Cause  

After an official diagnosis is made, identifying the underlying cause is the next step. This process is key to creating an effective treatment plan. The time required to determine the cause can vary, as it may involve additional tests or consultations with specialists. There are various underlying causes of chronic pain, and determining which underlying issue is causing the pain will help us choose the right pain management route. 

Determine Treatment Plan 

Treatment plans and their timelines vary depending on the severity of your chronic pain. Your treatment plan may involve a combination of medication, lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, pain management techniques, and analysis of underlying conditions. Depending on your chronic pain, you may need one or more of the following pain services: 

• Trigger Point Injections
• Epidural Steroid Injections
• Facet injections
• Stellate Ganglion Blocks
• Peripheral Nerve Blocks
• Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
• Radiofrequency Ablation
• Spinal Cord Stimulator
• Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulation
• Superion Interspinous Spacer

Once we determine which treatment suits your needs best, we can give you a more detailed timeline.

Monitor and Adjust Treatment

Chronic treatment often involves regular monitoring of symptoms and treatment plan adjustments, if necessary. This may include modifying medication dosages, trying different therapies, or addressing any new or changing symptoms. Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are key to verifying that the treatment is effective and making any necessary adjustments.

Add Psychological Support

Chronic pain may have a significant impact on a person’s emotional well-being. It may be beneficial to involve mental health professionals such as psychologists or counselors. These professionals can provide strategies for coping with pain, managing stress, and addressing any associated psychological issues like anxiety or depression.

An Interventional Pain Management Clinic

Each patient may need a different timeline for treatment. Once the underlying cause of your pain is determined, you can effectively plan out your pain management treatment timeline. At St Louis Pain Consultants, we offer a variety of pain management services at our clinic. Contact us to learn more about our pain services and what timeline you may be looking at to treat your chronic pain.  Work with a specialist to determine the best timeline for your personal circumstances.