Do you need a chronic pain management doctor in Chicago? At MAPS Centers for Pain Control, we offer minimally invasive treatments that deliver long-term pain relief. In this blog, we’ll go over what to expect during your first appointment and how to properly prepare. We’ll also review your treatment options and what sets us apart from other pain management clinics.
What Should I Bring to My First Pain Management Appointment?
For your first appointment, come prepared to discuss your pain (including your symptoms and medical history). You may also be asked to bring the following:
- Medical records: Medical records give our pain specialists a better overview of your condition. These can include X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and any reports from doctors or previous specialists.
- Medication list: To ensure our solutions are as effective as possible, we need to know about your current treatments. It’s helpful to make a list of any medications you’re currently on or have used before, as well as the dosages.
- Pain diary: In addition to your medical information, we want to know about your personal experience with pain. If possible, document a log of your pain symptoms, including what they are, when they started and their intensity.
- Paperwork: We ask that new patients fill out registration and insurance forms prior to their first appointment. Our paperwork is conveniently available online.
Not only do these items help us develop effective treatments, but they also help expedite the first appointment. In general, most initial appointments take less than an hour.
How Will My Pain Be Assessed During the First Visit?
Properly assessing your pain requires a comprehensive approach. While the exact assessment varies among patients, it usually involves a combination of the following:
- Consultation: As mentioned above, our specialists need to learn about your medical history. We’ll have a thorough conversation about your condition, covering everything from your symptoms and pain levels to your medical history and past treatments.
- Physical examination: Depending on your condition, our specialists may also perform a light physical examination. This can include pressing on pain areas, testing your range of motion and observing how you walk.
- Test and imaging: Your previous test results and imaging scans can help our specialists better understand your pain.
If you haven’t done any testing, or if your current results are outdated, we may order new tests.
What Types of Treatments Will Be Discussed at My Initial Consultation?
Our team at MAPS offers a wide range of non-surgical treatments designed to treat a variety of conditions, including the following:
- Injection-based therapy
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Cryoneurolysis
- Medication management
- Bracing and supports
During your first appointment, our team will discuss treatment options that are relevant to your unique condition. We’ll also take your personal preferences into account. Once we’ve gathered all the necessary information, we’ll craft a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs.
How Can MAPS Centers Personalize My Pain Management Plan?
At MAPS, we recognize that every patient is different. Even if two people have similar types of pain, they likely have different medical histories, symptoms and preferences. That’s why we take the time to personalize every treatment.
So, how do we develop our plans? We’ll start by diagnosing the root cause of your pain, whether it’s nerve-related, inflammatory, musculoskeletal or something else. Then, we’ll select and tailor treatments designed to address that root cause. Most plans use a combination of different treatments, which we’ll adjust as your needs evolve.
What Should I Expect After My First Visit in Terms of Next Steps?
Once we’ve established a treatment plan, it’s important to follow it as closely as possible. This typically involves the following:
- Follow-up appointments: We’ll schedule any necessary medical treatments, such as injection appointments, cryoneurolysis and physical therapy sessions.
- At-home care: We often recommend performing at-home exercises and adjusting lifestyle habits.
- Progress tracking: As you work through your treatment plan, we’ll carefully monitor your progress. To accurately do this, we may ask you to keep detailed records of your pain. This lets us know whether we need to make any changes to your plan.
Throughout your sessions, we make your comfort a top priority. This includes creating a calm, welcoming environment, providing dedicated, one-on-one attention and using gentle, minimally invasive procedures. Ultimately, we’re here to reduce your pain — not add to it.
What Makes MAPS Centers Different From Other Pain Management Clinics?
If you’re looking for a reliable chronic pain management doctor in Chicago, MAPS Centers for Pain Control has you covered. We stand out from other pain management clinics due to our commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. We go above and beyond to meet your needs, whatever they may be. Schedule a consultation at one of our eight convenient Chicagoland locations today!