What happens at a pain management clinic?

Pain management is an essential and delicate process for both our doctors and patients. At Weymouth Street Hospital our specialist consultants understand that chronic pain is different for everyone, causing different reactions, changes in function and impacts on mood.

Our team look after those who often see chronic pain impact their lives in multiple ways, whether having difficulty with activities of daily living, trouble carrying out tasks at work or reduction in their ability to enjoy exercise or other hobbies and interests.

The end result can be both distressing and debilitating, causing many patients to feel stressed, anxious or depressed. Our experienced team works to guide patients and help them manage their chronic pain in the best way possible.

The Pain Management Team

Although your initial consultation and overall case will be led by a Consultant who specialises in pain management, there are several other clinical team members at Weymouth Street Hospital who will each be bringing their own expertise to the clinic.

Nurses who are specialised in pain management will assist in assessment and treatment, guiding the work of therapists. Our therapy team include psychologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Together they care for both the psychological, functional and social aspects of your care, working to improve your mental and physical strength and ability.

Your First Pain Clinic Appointment

Although there is a large and multi talented team looking after you, your first appointment will be with the Consultant Pain Specialist.

This will be a thorough assessment of your health, your pain and the impact that has had on various areas of your life. This will allow the consultant to see more clearly how pain is affecting your daily life, work life, sleeping habits, emotional well being and more.

Depending on the doctor’s findings, you may require a full physical examination during the appointment. At times, further investigations such as imaging and scans may be required to gain the clearest picture possible.

Your Pain Management Plan at Weymouth Street Hospital

To treat your pain in the most effective way requires the whole team to do their appropriate assessments and contrast these with any physical findings. To help support the building of your pain management plan, please remember to bring a list of all medication that you are currently taking.

This also applies to any imaging, medical reports or other letters that relate to either your chronic pain or related conditions. These will be discussed confidentially with the rest of your team, bringing together expertise to decide on which course of treatment will best minimise symptoms and improve your quality of life.

The plan may include but is not limited to:

Interventions – Physical procedures such as injections of analgesia (pain relief) either into nerves known as nerve blocks or into the spinal column known as an epidural.

Therapies – These can either be physical or talking therapies, assessing your movement, strength and mobility or looking at how to view and cope with your pain and it’s effect on your life.

TENS machines – Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation are small devices which connect to sticky pads on the skin. You may have come across them before if you have been pregnant. They deliver a small electrical impulse across the skin in a non-painful way. Many people find that they are useful in managing chronic pain levels.

To book an appointment with a specialist call us on 0207 079 2102 or email [email protected].