6 Signs That It’s Time to Consider Pain Management

Pain can be an unavoidable part of life, but when it becomes chronic or interferes with daily activities, it’s time to take action. 

At McNulty Spine, Dr. Patrick McNulty and our expert team specialize in pain management to help you regain control of your life. From cutting-edge treatments to personalized care, we believe no one should endure pain that holds them back. 

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to see a pain management specialist, this guide outlines the signs to look out for and the treatments we offer. 

When should you explore professional pain management? 

Don’t ignore persistent pain, especially when it impacts your quality of life. Here are six key signs that signal it’s time to consult a pain management expert like Dr. McNulty. 

1. Pain lasting more than three months 

If your pain hasn’t improved after three months, we classify it as chronic. Chronic pain can result from injuries, medical conditions, or even unknown causes and requires expert evaluation to prevent it from worsening. 

2. Disrupted daily activities 

Pain that makes simple tasks like walking, cooking, sleeping, or even concentrating difficult is a sign you need professional help.

3. Over-reliance on painkillers 

Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication may offer temporary relief but usually doesn’t address the root cause. Relying on it too heavily could also lead to long-term health risks, such as dependency or tolerance buildup. 

4. Pain affecting your mental health 

Chronic pain can lead to emotional stress, anxiety, or even depression. When pain affects your emotional well-being, seek comprehensive care that addresses both physical and mental aspects of your health. 

5. Pain preventing you from working 

Job performance can suffer if you’re in constant discomfort, particularly for physically demanding roles. Pain management can help you return to work and handle responsibilities. 

6. Your pain worsens with time 

Without proper treatment, pain can escalate. If your symptoms intensify over days, weeks, or months, consult a specialist immediately to prevent further complications. 

How McNulty Spine can help 

At McNulty Spine, we offer several pain management solutions to address your unique needs. Here are some of the treatments we specialize in. 

Integrative approaches 

At McNulty Spine, we believe in treating the whole person. We incorporate complementary therapies, such as mindfulness techniques and lifestyle guidance, to address pain from all angles and foster overall   

Interventional pain management 

These minimally invasive techniques target the source of your pain, offering relief without the need for major surgery. Examples include corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks, and radiofrequency ablation, which can reduce inflammation and interrupt pain signals. 

Physical therapy 

Movement is key to recovery. Personalized physical therapy programs help you regain mobility, strengthen muscles, and relieve strain. This hands-on approach complements other treatments for long-term results. 

Medication management 

While medications from anti-inflammatories to nerve pain alone aren’t the ultimate solution, they can help when used carefully. 

Spinal cord stimulation 

Spinal cord stimulation is an advanced technology that uses electrical signals to block pain signals from reaching your brain. It’s ideal for chronic back or neck pain and is minimally invasive. 

Spinal surgery.

In general, once pain is well  established for six months after reasonable, nonsurgical treatment, surgery is most likely the definitive preferred  way to go. Everyone is different, but the long lasting expanding effects of chronic pain are best to be avoided. There are many clinical problems which simply have the best chance of definitive treatment within 6 to 12 months, even if that means structural spine surgery. Long-term limitations to a healthy and active lifestyle will almost assuredly effect many aspects of your overall health and happiness.

Ignoring chronic pain can lead to further problems, so don’t wait to seek help. Dr. McNulty and our experienced team can help you find lasting relief and live life to its fullest. 

Call McNulty Spine in Las Vegas, Nevada, or request an appointment online today to explore how we can help you regain control.