Pain can be effectively treated with early intervention and by appropriately trained specialists. In some cases, because of the complex nature of chronic pain, a multidisciplinary approach to treatment and management works best. This means physicians, nurses, psychologists and others working as a team to bring about the best outcome.

Treatment options may include:

• The Traditional - medications, injections and surgery
• Complementary approaches - acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling

Contact local health care facilities and rehabilitation centers and ask if they have pain management programs. Once you have all the facts, review each program to determine which one will meet your needs. It is important to know yourself and to know your symptoms, to be as educated as possible and as realistic as possible about long-term outcomes.

Healthcare Coverage: Insurance policies differ widely in the scope of coverage for pain management. You need specific information from your insurer pertaining to coverage and participation of healthcare professionals in pain management care as is currently required by state statute.

For help finding free or low cost health care coverage, select the following link: 
Help Finding Healthcare - Information from the Michigan Department of Community Health