Good Healthcare Requires Treatment of Your Mind, Body, and Soul

Why You Would Visit a Neurologist for Chronic Pain Management

24 April 2017 by Hugh Larson

Neurology is the study of the nervous system's physiology and anatomy, It may extend to problems inside the brain, since that is where the nervous system originates and where nerves transmit sensory information. If you are referred to a neurologist for chronic pain management, you may be wondering why. Based on some of the disorders that neurologists treat, here are the reasons why.

Disorders Treated by a Neurologist

Neurologists treat many chronic pain disorders.

These disorders include:

• Fibromyalgia
• Muscular Dystrophy (MD)
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• Lupus
• Chronic Fatigue Disorder
• Lou Gherig's Disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

In all of the above, the body's nervous system is not acting in any normal way, or it attacks itself and kills its own cells. Additionally, some brain cells may be replaced by myelin and nerve cells, which are only typically found in the nervous system and spinal cord, as is the case with MS. Because of their base ties to the nerves and the dysfunction of those nerves, patients see a neurologist to treat their symptoms and manage related pain.

Neurologists Have Greater Understanding of the Underlying Causes of Nerve Pain

Neurologists specialize in understanding how nerves work, and how pain receptors on these nerves work (or do not work!). While a general practitioner could prescribe medication for you, it is the neurologist who would make sure the medication is the correct one and the correct amount for your diagnosis. You neurologist would also perform regular tests and MRIs or CAT scans to make sure that any deterioration your body experiences from some of the above disorders is slowed and not progressing rapidly.

Neurologists Have Access to Information and New Medications to Slow the Progress of Your Disorder

Neurologists have direct access to new nerve medications and new and current information that could help slow the progress of your disorder. By slowing the disorder down, it may also be possible to lessen the pain you feel so that you can have a higher quality of life for as long as you are able.

Staying active is essential, but you cannot do that without the neurologist's help. He or she can prescribe new medications for you as they become available, and these medications can help you keep moving. Additionally, your neurologist can supplement your medications and treatments with both medical and non-medical approaches, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care, to relieve more of the pain you currently feel.

To learn more or talk with a neurologist, visit resources like http://www.billingsclinic.com.

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