A multitude of conditions can warrant the need for professional pain management. While pain management can come in the form of medication or treatment, urgent care typically performs the latter. Learning the difference between short and long-term options can help you learn when to consult a doctor.
Whether a patient has a chronic condition that causes pain throughout the body or has experienced an accident that is causing acute pain in an isolated area, they should notify a doctor. They can thoroughly examine the patient's current state and medical history and discuss treatment recommendations with the patient's care team. The latter is more so if surgery or other extensive treatment is necessary. After an extensive examination, the doctor can help determine if short-term or long-term pain management plans are appropriate.
Urgent care clinics address immediate, non-emergency health concerns, making them an ideal setting for short-term pain management. The primary goal in these cases is to quickly alleviate pain, allowing patients to function more comfortably while addressing the underlying cause. Short-term pain management options typically alleviate pain associated with:
The doctor will likely ask questions regarding the patient's pain level. After addressing the initial treatment, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic (if necessary) and pain medication. Pain medication can be in the form of draining, pills, topical creams, or injections.
The doctor drains the site for patients with cysts or boils, typically providing immediate relief. While many patients will likely have taken over-the-counter alternatives, doctors can prescribe more potent and longer-lasting options for this reason and many others. For example, opioids or muscle relaxants may be an option for some patients, but the quantity prescribed may be limited due to the possibility of addiction. Topical creams are available for fast relief and work far better than over-the-counter options. Steroidal injections, on the other hand, must be performed at the urgent care center and are a great option for patients with arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
If, after running tests, the doctor determines the patient needs more long-term pain management, they may treat them with a short-term option but refer them to a specialist. For example, if the doctor discovers gastrointestinal issues or a developing stomach ulcer, they may refer the patient to a gastroenterologist. Alternatively, physical ailments may be addressed with splints or braces to stabilize the compromised bone and reduce pain. Still, the doctor may refer the patient to a physical therapist after healing.
We hope this information was beneficial. If you are experiencing chronic or acute pain, do not hesitate to stop by or call our Sterling office. If needed, we can help narrow down the root cause of your pain or provide immediate pain management solutions to help you function until your scheduled extensive treatment.
Request an appointment here: https://stonesprings.millenniummedicalcare.com or call Millennium Medical Care Stone Springs at (703) 665-3242 for an appointment in our Sterling office.
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