Chronic Pain Specialist
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Tom Macek, MD
Board Certified Pain Management & Board Certified Anesthesiology located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Pain is an unavoidable part of life, and everyone experiences pain at various times. Chronic pain, however, is a far different matter, and brings many men and women from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Dr. Tom Macek for professional pain management. If you’re living with chronic pain, finding relief should be a top priority. To begin your journey, book an appointment with Dr. Macek today either online or by phone.
Chronic Pain Q&A
What is chronic pain?
The medical community defines chronic pain as pain that persists for more than 12 weeks. This type of pain can occur in any area of your body, and can vary in duration or intensity. It might be dull or sharp, and can be an aching or burning sensation.
Chronic pain can take many forms, including:
- Arthritis pain
- Headaches
- Postsurgical pain
- Pain after traumatic injury
- Cancer pain
- Lower back pain
- Pain from nerve damage
- Psychogenic pain (pain with no physical source)
Chronic pain is often not directly tied to any specific illness or injury, which is why it can be so frustrating to manage.
How do I know if I have chronic pain?
According to data compiled by the American Academy of Pain Medicine, as many as 100 million Americans are living with chronic pain. Researchers aren’t sure of the exact causes of chronic pain, but believe nerve damage and underlying health conditions play a causal role.
Certain risk factors can increase your chances of chronic pain, including:
- Gender, with females at a higher risk than males
- Previous surgery
- Recent injury
- Being overweight or obese
If you have been in pain for more than a few weeks and self-care hasn’t yielded significant improvement, it may be time to come in for a diagnostic exam.
How is chronic pain managed?
Dr. Macek creates a custom treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and overall health. Medications might play a role in managing your pain, but all drugs come with a risk of side effects, and some also carry a risk of addiction.
Every effort is made to improve your pain without undue reliance on pain medication. When medication is required, Dr. Macek looks for options that have a low risk of addiction and are well tolerated.
Electrical stimulation is another treatment option. This approach works by sending a controlled electrical current to your muscle fibers, interrupting the transmission of pain signals to your brain.
Nerve blocks, acupuncture, and even surgery can also help relieve chronic pain. Lifestyle modifications are also a great way to manage chronic pain. Losing excess weight, improving your diet, and getting plenty of exercise can yield impressive results.
Your treatment path depends on the source of your pain and your overall health. When you’re ready to explore the options, book your visit with Dr. Macek by phone or via the online scheduling tool.
