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What a pain specialist does

A pain medicine specialist treats long-lasting or difficult pain using a combination of medicines, nerve blocks, minimally invasive procedures and rehabilitation. Most pain specialists are anaesthesiologists who have completed further training, such as a fellowship or a fellowship in interventional pain practice. Chronic pain, usually defined as pain lasting more than three months, affects sleep, mood, work and relationships, and is much more than a symptom: it is a condition that needs a plan.

Conditions treated

• Back pain, sciatica, slipped disc and neck pain.
• Knee, shoulder and other joint pain, including arthritis pain.
• Nerve pain: diabetic neuropathy, pain after shingles, trigeminal neuralgia.
• Migraine and chronic headache.
• Cancer pain and pain after surgery.
• Fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome and myofascial pain.

Approach and procedures

Treatment is individual and often combines several measures. Options include medicines, physiotherapy and exercise, epidural and nerve-root injections, joint and facet injections, radiofrequency treatment, spinal cord stimulation in selected cases, and psychological support such as relaxation and cognitive therapy. Imaging, and blood tests such as vitamin D, B12, uric acid and inflammatory markers, may be advised to look for a treatable cause.

Red flags needing urgent care

Seek urgent help for back pain with new leg weakness, numbness in the groin area or loss of control of urine or stool, severe pain after injury, fever with back pain, or pain with unexplained weight loss.

Fees and safety

Consultation fees commonly range from about ₹500 to ₹1,500 and may vary; procedures are charged separately, and costs vary by hospital and technique. Be wary of promises of permanent cure, avoid long-term unsupervised painkillers (especially NSAIDs and opioids), and ensure procedures are done in a sterile setting by trained doctors. Compare pain specialists and book on Lab Dekho.

Trusted References

This guide is original content informed by recognised medical and public-health sources. For further reading:

• NABH – hospital accreditation standards
• NABL – laboratory accreditation
• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY
• Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• Mayo Clinic – Patient care & health information
• Cleveland Clinic – Health Library
• WebMD – Health A–Z

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Costs and fees are approximate and vary by provider. Institution names are given for orientation only; check current services and timings directly. In an emergency, call 108 or 112.