Is it Time to See a Pain Specialist?

February 02, 2022

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If you've had chronic pain lasting three months or longer, it's time to see a pain specialist.

According to Dr. William Raoofi, a Fellowship-trained physician in Interventional Pain Management with the Center for Interventional Pain Medicine at Mercy Medical Center, one should first check their primary care doctor, who may order some special tests, labs and diagnostic imaging.

If your primary care doctor refers you to a pain specialist, they will take a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment.

"That (includes) use of things like physical therapy, medications, sometimes procedures such as injections for chronic neck or back pain chiropractic care, acupuncture, a variety of things," Dr. Raoofi said.

Dr. Raoofi added that non-opioid medications can be used to treat chronic pain.

Dr. Raoofi has a special interest in neuromodulation – a form of pain reduction therapy that utilizes technological devices that alter pain signaling in the body to reduce pain and improve function. These types of therapies may include:

View Mercy pain management specialist Dr. William Raoofi’s interview regarding when to seek out a pain specialist.

About Mercy

Founded in 1874 in Downtown Baltimore by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Medical Center is a 183-licensed bed, acute care, university-affiliated teaching hospital. Mercy has been recognized as a high-performing Maryland hospital (U.S. News & World Report); has achieved an overall 5-Star quality, safety, and patient experience rating (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services); is A-rated for Hospital Safety (Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade); and is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet™ hospital. Mercy Health Services is a not-for-profit health system and the parent company of Mercy Medical Center and Mercy Personal Physicians.

Media Contact 
Dan Collins, Senior Director of Media Relations
Office: 410-332-9714
Cell: 410-375-7342
Email: dcollins@mdmercy.com

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