Many work injury victims need to work with a pain management physician during some phase of their treatment. Acute pain can often turn into chronic pain. Pain can affect an employee’s ability to work, to sleep, and to perform daily tasks.

The Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates regularly work with respected pain management physicians. Medical payments are a key part of your workers’ compensation claim.

Common pain management words

You may hear some new terminology when you’re seeking help for your pain. Knowing exactly what those terms are can help you prepare for your future, so you know what to expect. Some of the medical definitions that doctors use to diagnose and treat your pain include:

• Acute:This type of pain is usually caused by a workplace accident. It typically lasts for less than six months
• A medical treatment that uses small needles that are placed in the skin. This is an ancient Asian medical technique that Western medicine has adopted to treat pain.
• A medication that helps manage pain
• Generally, this medical term is used to describe various forms of join pain that often cause tenderness and swelling
• Central nervous system. The spinal cord and the brain
• Pain that lasts more than six months and, often, worsens with time
• Complementary Medicine. Non-standard medical treatments including chiropractic care, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and herbs
• CT (computed tomography) scan. A diagnostic tool that uses X-Ray technology and computer technology
• The use of cold to reduce swelling or treat muscles spasm
• The soft pad between vertebrae that acts as a shock absorber
• Epidural steroid injection. A surgical procedure that injects medicine into the spot of the pain
• A tissue reaction to injury or disease. Redness, swelling, and pain are some of the signs.
• The point where two bones join. Joints allows for motion between bones
• Fibrous tissue near the joint that connects bones to each other. Sprained and torn ligaments can cause a lot of pain
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) test. A diagnostic tool that uses radio waves, magnetic fields, and computer technology to try to determine the source of the pain
• Nerve block. Injection of a substance into nerves that numb the pain
• Related to the nerve
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to help treat inflammation
• Narcotic pain medication
• An artificial device meant to replace a part of the body that is lost such as prosthetic leg. Our Philadelphia worker’s compensation attorneys work to help get workers the best prosthetic devices on the market for our clients.
• A plan of treatment aimed to help patients regain physical and emotional function caused by an injury
• A complementary exercise routing that focuses on stretching, meditation, posture, and breathing techniques.

At Larry Pitt & Associates, we understand the medical terms that the physicians who treat you use. Our Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyers regular review medical reports and depose physicians. To speak with a strong work injury advocate, please call us now at 888.PITT.LAW or fill out our contact form to arrange a free consultation. We represent clients in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia.