Pain Management Specialist
Maryvale Family Practice
Family Practice located in Phoenix, AZ
Pain is a tool your body uses to let you know something is wrong. Though pain may be short-lived, many people suffer from chronic pain related to underlying health conditions. At Maryvale Family Practice, board-certified family nurse practitioner Nahla Chirco specializes in pain management. She takes a holistic approach to health, focusing on not just your symptoms, but your whole-body health. To schedule a pain management consultation, call the office in Phoenix, Arizona, or book an appointment online today.
Pain Management Q&A
What is pain management?
Helping to eliminate your discomfort by managing your pain is one of the many services Nahla provides at Maryvale Family Practice. She understands the toll pain takes on your physical and emotional health and works closely with you to develop a pain management plan that best fits your needs.
Who benefits from pain management?
You may benefit from pain management whether you’re suffering from acute or chronic pain.
Acute pain
Acute pain develops suddenly and usually from a specific cause, such as an injury or surgery. The pain may be sharp and severe. However, acute pain usually resolves within six months after the underlying cause of your pain heals.
Chronic pain
Chronic pain is ongoing pain that lasts six or more months. It may develop after your acute injury or from an underlying condition, such as arthritis or neuropathy. Headaches can also be a source of chronic pain.
In addition to the physical symptoms, chronic pain may take a toll on your emotional and mental well-being.
What can I expect during a consultation for pain management?
When you visit Maryvale Family Practice for a pain management consultation, you can expect an in-depth and patient-focused exam. Nahla takes a holistic approach to care and focuses on you as a whole person, not just your symptoms.
During your consultation, she reviews your symptoms, including the type of pain you feel, the frequency and severity of your pain, and the underlying cause (if known). She then reviews your medical history and conducts a physical exam.
To find the root cause of your symptoms, Nahla may recommend diagnostic testing, such as lab work, an ultrasound, or nerve conduction studies. Maryvale Family Practice is a full-service practice and performs many of these tests in house.
What types of pain management treatments are offered?
Nahla creates an individualized pain management treatment plan for you based on the type and severity of your pain, its underlying cause, and your medical history.
Pain management treatments may include:
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Other anti-inflammatory medication
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Nutritional supplements
- Supportive devices
Nahla also provides joint injections to help those suffering from joint pain and inflammation related to chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Nahla schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor you and your pain and adjusts your treatment plan as needed. She also makes referrals to specialists if conservative measures fail to help you get pain relief.
For a holistic approach to your pain, call Maryvale Family Practice or book an appointment online today.