Treatment · Neurology
Pain management
Pain management is the assessment and treatment of ongoing pain, such as headache, nerve pain, and neck or back pain. Care starts with finding the cause of the pain. Treatment is then matched to it, and may combine medicines, physiotherapy, and specific procedures. The plan is set for each person.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Raman, MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology) —
At a glance
The essentials.
- Practice
- Neurology
- Type
- Treatment
The full guide
What it is
Pain management is care for pain that persists or keeps returning. In a neurology practice this often means headache, neuropathic pain (pain caused by a problem in the nerves themselves), and pain from the neck or back. Finding the cause comes first, because treatment differs by cause.
Why a doctor may recommend it
The doctor may recommend a pain-management plan when pain lasts beyond the expected healing time, interferes with sleep or work, or has not settled with first-line treatment. Nerve pain in particular responds to different medicines than ordinary pain relievers, so identifying it changes the plan.
How to prepare
Note where the pain occurs, what it feels like, when it started, and what makes it better or worse. Bring a list of everything you take for it, including medicines bought without a prescription, and any previous scans or reports.
Safety and what to expect from care
The aim agreed with you may be less pain, better sleep, or a return to specific activities. Responses vary between people, and this page does not promise any particular outcome. Tell the doctor about side effects rather than stopping a medicine suddenly. This website is not for emergencies; for a sudden severe headache, chest pain, or new weakness, call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Results and follow-up
Follow-up reviews check how the plan is working and adjust it. If a different specialty is needed, such as surgery for a specific spine problem, the doctor explains the referral and what it is for.
Sources
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke — Chronic pain
Before you come
What to bring and how to prepare
A short checklist to run through before your appointment. If anything here is unclear, call the clinic and ask.
- Note where the pain occurs, what it feels like, when it started, and what makes it better or worse.
- Bring a list of everything you take for it, including medicines bought without a prescription, and any previous scans or reports.
What happens
On the day.
What to expect from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave.
during
During the visit
the doctor takes a detailed pain history and examines you. Tests such as nerve conduction studies or a scan are arranged only when they would change the plan.
after
Afterwards
the plan is agreed with you. It may combine medicines chosen for the type of pain, physiotherapy, and, for specific diagnoses, procedures such as botulinum toxin injections for chronic migraine. The plan is reviewed and adjusted rather than fixed at the first visit.
Before your appointment
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about preparation, timing and what happens at the clinic.
Why are nerve pain medicines different?
Nerve pain comes from the nerves themselves rather than from injured tissue, and it often does not respond to ordinary pain relievers. Specific medicines act on nerve signalling, and the doctor chooses them when the assessment shows nerve pain.
Will I need tests before treatment?
Not always. The history and examination often identify the type of pain. Tests such as nerve conduction studies or a scan are arranged when they would change the plan.
Where this fits
Related care and consulting times.
The conditions this is used alongside, and when the consultant sees patients at the clinic.
Consultation hours
- Neurology
- Mon, Wed, Fri, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Priya Raman, MBBS, MD, DM (Neurology) —
Appointments
Plan your visit.
Mon, Wed, Fri, 5:30 PM–8:30 PM.