What kind of doctor (s) should you work with? Rheumatologists diagnose and treat arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. This includes fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus, back pain, osteoporosis, bursitis, and tendinitis. Pain specialists are usually board certified anesthesiologists, neurologists, physiatrists, psychiatrists, or oncologists with additional training in pain management. They receive credentials from the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) in collaboration with the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR) and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABP&N). Or they may receive credentials from the American Board of Pain Medicine. Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system. This includes treating common pain problems such as headaches, back pain, muscle disorders, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). Orthopedists specialize in the diagnosis, clinical treatment, and surgical repair of bone injuries. They also treat muscle problems and joint tissues -- tendons, ligaments, cartilage. Psychologists diagnose and provide therapy for problems associated with pain, perception, depression, and anxiety. Be careful of problems that may occur when you have more than one doctor administering treatment. While both doctors are working to make you well, unless there is effective communication between them, you could find yourself in a precarious situation regarding your health. It’s important to have one doctor who knows all about you, your condition, specific fibromyalgia symptoms, treatment plan, and the specific fibromyalgia medications you are taking. It’s also important to be knowledgeable yourself so that you can accurately report details of your treatment and any changes in medication in case you have more than one health care provider. R. Denise Dunn FLNA
Posted on: Sat, 04 Oct 2014 23:15:59 +0000
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