Chronic pain affects millions of people and can interfere with work, sleep, relationships and everyday activities. Yet many people struggle to find effective relief or aren’t sure where to turn for help. Some assume pain is something they simply have to live with, while others aren’t sure what happens at a pain management clinic or when it’s time to see a specialist.
For some patients, past experiences make them worry they won’t be taken seriously. Others assume pain management is only about prescribing medication. “Pain management is whole-person care,” says Alexandra Adler, MD, MPhil, anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at the Pain Management Center at Lowell General Hospital and Assistant Professor, Anesthesiology, Tufts University School of Medicine. “Our goal is to help people with chronic pain live better by improving function, supporting quality of life and developing a treatment plan that reflects each patient’s values and goals.”
Struggling with chronic pain? Here’s what to know about who can benefit from pain management care and what treatment may involve.
What is chronic pain?
Let’s start with the basics. Pain is often grouped into two main types—acute and chronic—based on how long it lasts and what is causing it.
Acute pain usually comes on suddenly and is linked to a specific injury or illness, such as a sprained ankle, surgery or infection. It typically improves as the body heals and often lasts days to weeks.
But sometimes acute pains can hang around or pain can worsen over time. Pain is typically considered chronic when it lasts longer than expected or continues after an injury has healed. It’s generally defined as pain that lasts three months or more. Conditions such as back pain, nerve pain, arthritis and some pelvic pain disorders can become chronic.
Chronic pain doesn’t always have a single clear cause and can involve complex changes in the body and nervous system. Because of this, treatment often focuses on improving daily function and quality of life rather than eliminating pain completely.
What is pain management?
Pain management is a medical specialty focused on evaluating and treating chronic or complex pain. Clinicians work with people to improve mobility, restore daily function and help them return to activities that matter to them. Chronic pain often affects more than one part of a person’s life. It can influence sleep, mood, work and physical movement. Because of this, effective treatment may include procedures, physical therapy, movement strategies, brain-based therapies—including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques and coordination with other specialists. Some patients also benefit from complementary therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic care.
The goal is to create a personalized care plan that safely addresses the underlying causes of pain while helping patients regain confidence and independence.
Hear Bryan's story of finding relief from chronic pelvic pain.
Common myths about pain management
Many people hesitate to visit a pain management clinic because they’re not sure what to expect. Some worry they won’t be taken seriously, while others assume the only option will be medication. In reality, pain care today is much more holistic.
Here are some common misconceptions about pain management and what you can really expect.
Myth: Pain management means being prescribed opioids
One of the most common myths is that pain clinics primarily prescribe opioid medications.
“Pain management is much more than prescribing pills,” says Dr. Adler. “While medications may sometimes be appropriate, many patients prefer other approaches and we work together to find strategies that best support their health and goals.”
Pain specialists often focus on a combination of treatments that may include targeted procedures, physical therapy, lifestyle changes and care coordination.
Myth: Pain clinics only treat severe injuries
Pain specialists treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Joint pain
- Nerve pain
- Pelvic pain
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Post-surgical pain
Some patients seek care after trying other treatments without lasting relief. But as Dr. Adler explains: “you don’t need to wait until you’ve tried everything. Seeing a chronic pain specialist earlier can actually help guide your treatment options and improve outcomes while you’re still exploring what works best."
Myth: If my tests are “normal,” nothing can be done
Pain can be complex and sometimes imaging or lab tests don’t fully explain a patient’s symptoms. Even when that happens, treatment can still help reduce discomfort and improve daily functioning. Pain specialists evaluate how pain affects the body and work with patients to identify strategies that reduce its impact on everyday life.
Understanding pain management treatment
What happens at your first pain management appointment?
Your first visit focuses on understanding your pain and how it affects your daily life. Clinicians want to learn not only where pain occurs but also how it influences sleep, work, physical activity and overall wellbeing.
Because this first visit is about getting the full picture of your symptoms and medical history, it’s usually longer than a typical medical appointment. Initial consultations often last about 30-45 minutes, giving your clinician time to review your history, discuss previous treatments and explore how pain affects your day-to-day activities.
Follow-up appointments are typically shorter and focus on monitoring progress, adjusting your treatment plan or addressing new symptoms or concerns. Your clinician will also make time for questions so you leave the visit with a clear understanding of your diagnosis and treatment options.
Does insurance cover pain management?
Many pain management services are covered by insurance, but coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and the type of treatment recommended. For example, most insurance plans commonly cover:
- Pain management consultations
- Diagnostic tests such as imaging
- Most interventional procedures
- Most medications
- Physical therapy referrals
Coverage for complementary therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic care may vary by plan.
If you are unsure about your coverage, your care team can often help verify your benefits or guide you on what to expect before starting treatment.
During the appointment, your clinician may:
- Ask detailed questions about your symptoms and medical history
- Discuss previous treatments or procedures you have tried
- Perform a physical exam
- Review imaging or lab results
- Order additional tests if needed
- Request records from other clinicians
Just as important, the conversation will focus on your goals and preferences. For some people improving sleep may be the priority. Others may want to return to exercise, spend more time with family or reduce limitations at work. Your priorities help guide your treatment plan.
A team approach to chronic pain care
Chronic pain often requires coordinated care. Pain management clinicians frequently collaborate with other specialists to address different aspects of a patient’s condition.
Depending on your needs your care plan may include:
- Physical therapy to improve strength and movement
- Interventional procedures that target specific pain sources. These can include injections to diagnose and treat pain. Common examples include epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks and joint injections
- Movement or posture modifications
- Cognitive behavioral and brain-based pain therapy
- Complementary therapies such as acupuncture
- Coordination with primary care clinicians and other specialists
This multidisciplinary approach helps address the many factors that contribute to chronic pain.
Do I have to have injections?
Injections can be useful tools as part of a comprehensive pain management plan, but not every patient will want or need injections. Sometimes injections are used to diagnose a problem (much like an x-ray or lab test might be used) - the idea here is that if you numb up an area and your pain feels better, that may help you figure out what is causing your pain. Other times, injections are therapeutic, meaning that they are meant to last and help your pain for a longer period of time.
How can cognitive therapies help?
You’re not alone if you your reaction is “wait a second, my pain is real, I don’t need cognitive therapy.” However, chronic pain isn’t just about what’s happening in the body – over time, the brain can “turn up” pain signals, which can contribute to or worsen underlying pain issues. Everyone experiences pain differently, but it’s important to remember that just because the brain is contributing does not make the pain less real. Cognitive or brain-based pain therapies can help the brain turn the volume back down.
Your role in the treatment plan
Pain management works best when patients are active partners in their care. Your experience, feedback and goals play an important role in shaping treatment decisions. As your symptoms change, your care plan may evolve to reflect what is helping most.
“We want patients to be partners in their care,” says Dr. Adler. “Your experience and feedback help us tailor treatment and make sure we are working toward the outcomes that matter most to you.”
When to consider seeing a pain management specialist
You may want to consider a pain management consultation if:
- Pain has lasted several months or longer
- Symptoms interfere with work, sleep or daily activities
- Previous treatments have not provided relief
- You want help exploring additional options for managing pain
Pain management clinicians can help patients better understand their condition and identify strategies that improve both comfort and quality of life.
The bottom line
Pain specialists are your partner in developing personalized treatment plans that support your long-term health, function and wellbeing. If you’re living with chronic pain, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
