Treatment Update Time? How to Tell if Your Pain Plan Needs a Refresh in the New Year

Treatment Update Time? How to Tell if Your Pain Plan Needs a Refresh in the New Year

Chronic pain can shift in intensity, location, or even cause new symptoms over time. That’s why reviewing your treatment plan each year is so important. What worked before may not be what your body needs now.

At Pain Management Specialists in Rockville and Frederick, Maryland, board-certified physicians Stuart Hough, MD, and Ramani Peruvemba, MD, provide individualized treatment plans that evolve with you. The goal is to relieve pain, restore movement, and help you live fully again.

Here are some clear signs it may be time to update your plan.

Your pain has changed

If your pain has become sharper or more frequent, or has started affecting new areas of your body, these changes may indicate that chronic pain has progressed. Problems like nerve damage, arthritis, or spinal issues can worsen slowly, even if you’re managing symptoms.

An updated evaluation can reveal what’s changed. Our team may recommend new imaging or nerve studies to adjust your care and prevent further pain.

You’re relying more on medication

Medication can help you function, but it’s not a long-term solution on its own. If you’re taking more medication than before or feel you can’t get through the day without it, that’s a red flag.

Our team uses a multimodal approach that blends treatments like nerve blocks, epidural steroid injections, and radiofrequency ablation with physical therapy and exercise guidance. This kind of plan reduces pain while cutting your dependence on pills.

Pain is limiting your daily life

You shouldn’t have to miss out on the things you enjoy. If pain is keeping you from exercising, working, or spending time with friends and loved ones, it’s time to revisit your plan.

Our team can explore more advanced treatments, such as spinal cord stimulation, neuromodulation, or targeted injections, to provide comprehensive care. These options can calm overactive nerves and help restore your ability to move comfortably.

You haven’t reviewed your plan recently

Even if your pain feels stable, it’s smart to review your treatment at least once a year. Over time, your health and activity level change, and so do available treatment options.

A yearly review helps our team fine-tune your plan before pain worsens. Small adjustments can make a big difference in maintaining comfort and mobility.

You want better, longer-lasting relief

If your previous plan revolved around short-term fixes, it may be time to focus on treatments that offer more lasting results. Your plan should support healing, and help your body become stronger over time.

Our team might recommend a combination of interventional procedures, guided therapy, and lifestyle changes that target the source of pain rather than just the symptoms.

Start fresh this year

Pain management is not one-size-fits-all. The most effective plans change as your needs do. If your pain has evolved, or your current treatment no longer works well, it’s time to take another look.

At Pain Management Specialists, our skilled team provides a high level of care focused on helping you regain control and live with less pain.

Start the new year on a stronger note. Call our Rockville or Frederick office today, or schedule an appointment online to refresh your pain management plan.

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