Many people only understand anesthesiologists as relevant professionals in providing anesthesia before and during surgeries. However, their function does not only stop at that since anesthesiologist Houston procedures relieve pain inside and outside the surgical room.
Over the years, chronic pain has become typical and is affecting a larger population in America today. Therefore, anesthesiologists play a critical role in providing you with medications and treatments for pain relief. This guide provides you with everything you need to know about anesthesiologists and how they are instrumental in pain management.
Who is an anesthesiologist?
If it weren’t for anesthesiologist specialists, pain management would have been an unpleasant experience for many patients. These physicians are responsible for relieving pain and providing improved medical care to stabilize your condition. Usually, you will find these specialists in pain clinics, especially those associated with spine treatments and surgeries. Furthermore, anesthesiologists don’t work alone and collaborate with other professionals to administer the proper pain medications and anesthesia.
When to see an anesthesiologist
Although most people see an anesthesiologist when scheduled for surgery, an anesthesiologist also cares for you when you have chronic pain. In most cases, you may seek anesthesiologist help if you have severe issues with your back, like sciatica, pinched nerves, herniated discs, or spinal cord problems. Such conditions can cause persistent pain that can affect your quality of life, and the anesthesiologist may help you with the proper medications and interventions to alleviate your situation.
Can an anesthesiologist treat acute pain?
The typical difference between acute and chronic pain is the duration in which they occur. Acute pain has a set margin of six months and below, while chronic pain can last for years. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean acute pain can’t affect your quality of life. Furthermore, if you don’t treat your acute pain, it presumably becomes chronic pain which at times is life-threatening. Therefore, an anesthesiologist can also provide you with medication to relieve acute pain and bar it from becoming chronic.
Do they perform tests?
Other than providing you with the latest trends in pain management medications, anesthesiologists can perform various diagnostic and screening tests. This is usually essential in assisting them to settle on the proper drugs and treatments to offer you. The test may include imaging tests incorporating X-rays, MRI, ultrasound, and CT scans. An anesthesiologist can also perform laboratory tests and organ function tests.
Training and certifications of anesthesiologists
When it comes to pain management, you probably want help from the most experienced expert to relieve your pain quickly. Therefore, while searching for an anesthesiologist, you should focus on their education, training, and competence. However, it’s a requirement from the American certifying board that every anesthesiologist should be board-certified and must be a licensed MD or DO who has completed anesthesiology and possesses relevant certifications. Therefore, always pay attention to your provider’s education and experience before settling for one.
Chronic pain can, at times, affect your overall health and daily productivity. In severe instances, persistent back pain can result in a disability that can negatively impact every aspect of your life. For this reason, you should have a professional anesthesiologist in your closet for pain medications, treatments, and interventions in case your condition becomes severe. In addition, be on the lookout for certified and experienced anesthesiologists, as they will serve your needs for the better.
