We have all experienced pain. But despite it being one of the most common symptoms people seek medical help for, it is also one of the most misunderstood and ineffectively treated. Part of the reason is that one person’s experience of the same painful event can be significantly different from another’s.

Pain can be debilitating and frustrating. It may interfere with sleep, work, activities and quality time with friends and family.

Pain management provides relief so you can enjoy life. But treatment is complex and can lead to harmful effects if not properly administered and monitored. That’s why pain management may require the involvement of a physician anesthesiologist who specializes in pain medicine.

The first step in pain management is scheduling an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of your pain and learn which pain management approach is often the most effective for it.