Other Health Care Professionals

Other types of health care professionals that can help people in pain include nurse practitioners, physical therapists, chiropractors, nutritionists, psychologists, etc. They are important members of interdisciplinary teams for pain programs and help provide well-rounded pain care. Each of these caregivers may have a different approach and offer a different set of options and expertise.

As with physicians, it will help you to know what each of these caregivers may offer. Here is a general description of how these health care professionals can provide expertise to people in pain. Remember, it is still up to you to confirm what pain treatment options are offered at any practice.

Chiropractor – According to the International Chiropractic Association, the primary focus of chiropractic is the detection, reduction and correction of spinal misalignments and nervous system dysfunction. Doctors of Chiropractic often perform manipulations called adjustments. Adjustments involve the movement of tissue by the laying on of hands. When performed gently, it is usually referred to as mobilization.

People in pain often experience temporary pain relief from this therapy, and many prefer these interventions because they avoid the potential side effects or complications of medications or surgery. Also, people in pain often can learn exercises that can be performed at home that are helpful in improving mobilization. Long-term and ongoing dependence on these therapies to provide pain relief is discouraged.

Nurse – There are many types of nurses, including (but not limited to) registered nurses (RNs), advanced practice nurses (APNs), and nurse practitioners (NPs). A registered nurse has completed a two- to four-year degree program in nursing, and provides direct patient care for acutely or chronically ill patients. RNs may further specialize in a particular area. For example, trauma nurses work with doctors and surgeons to help patients in the emergency room of a hospital. An advanced practice nurse or nurse practitioner is a RN who has completed an advanced training program in a specialty such as pediatrics, rehabilitation, or oncology. An APN or NP may function as a primary direct provider of health care, making diagnoses, treating patients, and prescribing medications.

Nutritionist – Nutritionists have special training in nutrition and can show patients how to change their diet to improve their overall health. They can help by supervising the preparation of food, developing modified diets, participating in research, and educating individuals on good nutritional habits. Some nutritionists in private practice are well-trained, degreed, and licensed as registered dietitians (RDs). Depending on the state, however, a person using the title may not necessarily be trained.

Occupational Therapist – According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy is skilled treatment that helps individuals achieve independence in all facets of their lives. It gives people the "skills for the job of living" so they can lead independent and satisfying lives. Services typically include: customized treatment programs to improve your ability to perform daily activities, home and job site evaluations with recommendations, adaptive equipment recommendations and training, and guidance to family members and caregivers. Occupational therapy can help people in pain who have work-related or repetitive stress injuries like lower back problems, debilitating diseases (e.g., arthritis), spinal cord injuries, amputations, or other injuries from falls, sports, or accidents.

Physical Therapist – Physical therapy is the treatment of an injury or disease using physical therapeutic movement. Physical therapists, who undergo extensive education and training, may use therapeutic massage, mobilization and physical movement, exercises, patient education, water therapy, ultrasound, and heat and ice to help improve function, increase flexibility and strength, and decrease pain. The type of treatment needed is normally prescribed by a physician and carried out by trained physiotherapists. To read more about physical therapy and its important role in pain management, click here.

Physician Assistant – A physician assistant (PA) has successfully completed an accredited Physician Assistant education program, and can determine, start, alter or suspend medical care under the supervision of a licensed physician. That is, they can treat patients, and in most states, prescribe medications. PAs work in primary care or more specialized areas such as pain medicine.

Psychologist – Psychologists use several different techniques to help people with chronic pain to recover their strength and sense of self, and improve the quality of their lives. Specific techniques to help people with chronic pain include support, education, and skill building in areas such as relaxation, biofeedback, stress management, problem solving, goal setting, sleep hygiene, and assertiveness.

Oftentimes, pain can be accompanied by a physical reaction known as "muscular bracing" – or holding the body in an extremely rigid posture in an effort to "protect" an area from further pain. At the basic brain level muscles develop a "memory" that continues to produce a repetitive muscle bracing pattern and subsequently results in pain. Psychological pain management techniques that incorporate a "mind-body" connection can help break this vicious cycle. These include breathing exercises, self-hypnosis, various forms of biofeedback training and other therapies. Developing a behavioral pain management program that works best for you can help you gain a sense of control over your pain. It's important to find a qualified health care provider who is knowledgeable about pain and muscular bracing, as well as the use of behavioral pain management techniques.