Pain Management FAQs Graphic

Every person understands the feeling of pain. Whether it’s a burning, stinging, ache, throbbing or sharp pain, we’ve all been there at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, many of us experience what is known as chronic pain--long-lasting pain that can have a serious impact on a person’s quality of life.

If you’ve been living with chronic pain, you know how confusing and distressing it can be to search for effective treatment options. It can be even more distressing to try and understand the nature of your pain and why it may not respond to traditional pain treatments.

At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that your decision to seek education and treatment for chronic pain is a personal one.

Here are some frequently asked questions about seeking effective treatment for pain

FAQ #1: How Do I Know If My Pain is Acute or Chronic?

Both acute and chronic pain are significant health issues in the United States. In fact, chronic pain was estimated to have cost over half a billion dollars in lost productivity and medical services in 2012 alone.

Many people are confused about the classifications for pain, and whether their pain qualifies as acute or chronic.

Acute pain is a normal physiological response to injury--think of the shock of pain you feel when you get a cut or burn yourself while cooking. Acute pain arises quickly, is very intense, and subsides completely over a short period of time. Most acute pain goes away after three months.

If acute pain isn’t properly treated, it can develop into chronic pain --pain that persists for longer than three months.

Chronic pain occurs when pain signals in the brain continue firing long after recovery from illness or injury. One of the biggest causes of chronic pain is damage to peripheral nerves after an initial injury. Even after the injury heals, the damaged nerves continue to receive and send out pain signals into the body.

FAQ #2: When Should I Seek Treatment for My Pain?

You should seek treatment for any pain that lasts longer than three months. Ignoring persistent pain can cause it to get worse, and may make treatment more difficult.

FAQ #3: Are All Pain Medications Addictive?

Opioid drugs have caused a major health and economic crisis in the United States.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 115 people per day died after overdosing on opioids in 2017. These overdoses were caused by the use of illegal opioid drugs like heroin, illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and prescription narcotics.

For individuals experiencing severe chronic pain, the idea of taking such an addictive medication to control pain is concerning. Fear of addiction, in fact, is among many patients’ biggest concerns when seeking treatment.

It’s important to understand your own risk factors for opioid addiction and to speak with your pain management specialist to find treatments you’re comfortable with. Some of the key risk factors for opioid addiction include:

  • Living in a rural area
  • Having a lower annual income
  • Taking a higher daily dosage of an opioid painkiller
  • Having a history of mental illness
  • Having a history of drug or alcohol abuse or dependency

When taken correctly, prescription opioid medications can be an effective method for relieving chronic pain. However, there is a wide range of pain management options that don’t involve prescription opioids.

FAQ #4: What Pain Treatment Options Are Available at PTCOA?

Depending on the nature and severity of your pain, your treatment options at PTCOA may vary. We proudly specialize in a number of minimally invasive pain treatment procedures, treating a wide variety of illnesses, injuries and conditions.

PTCOA is Arkansas’s largest comprehensive pain management practice with multiple locations to serve a variety of patients.

Find a location and schedule your appointment at PTCOA today.

When Pain Isn’t Structural: Understanding Neuropathic Pain

June 26, 2026
Pain is often associated with injury, arthritis, or another structural problem in the body. However, not all pain comes from damaged bones, joints, muscles, or tissues. Sometimes, the nervous system itself causes discomfort. This pain is called neuropathic pain and can greatly affect quality of life. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we help patients determine the source of their symptoms and develop personalized plans to manage chronic nerve pain effectively. What Is Neuropathic Pain? Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged, irritated, or dysfunctional. Unlike pain from injury or inflammation, it results from abnormal signaling within the nervous system. These disrupted signals cause the brain to sense pain even without ongoing tissue damage. Patients commonly describe neuropathic pain as burning, tingling, shooting, electric-like, or stabbing. Some may experience numbness, elevated sensitivity to touch, or pain that seems disproportionate to any physical findings. Common Causes of Neuropathic Pain Neuropathic pain can develop from a variety of conditions that affect the nerves or nervous system. Some common causes include: Diabetes-related nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy) Herniated discs are causing nerve compression Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Multiple sclerosis Spinal cord injuries Stroke-related nerve damage Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy Symptoms can vary widely, so proper evaluation is key for accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. Neuropathic pain is often challenging to identify because imaging exams like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may not always reveal the source of the problem. Patients may experience significant pain despite having slight structural abnormalities. A complete evaluation includes medical history, physical exam, neurological assessment, and diagnostic tests when needed. Identifying nerve involvement is critical because neuropathic pain often responds differently to treatment than musculoskeletal pain. Treatment Options for Neuropathic Pain Successful treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause when possible while reducing symptoms and improving function. Depending on the patient’s condition, treatment options may include: Medication management designed specifically for nerve pain Nerve block injections Physical therapy and rehabilitation Spinal cord stimulation Lifestyle alterations Interventional pain management procedures Many benefit from an approach that combines several therapies for the best outcomes. When to Seek Professional Care Persistent burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent worsening symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. If you have ongoing pain not connected to a structural injury, it may be time to explore if neuropathic pain is the cause. An extensive evaluation can determine the source of your symptoms and identify the most effective treatments. Personalized Neuropathic Pain Treatment at Pain Treatment Centers of America At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we understand that chronic pain is complex and every patient’s experience is unique. Our team uses sophisticated diagnostic tools and evidence-based treatments to identify nerve-related pain and create individualized care plans to improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life. If you are experiencing persistent nerve pain symptoms, schedule a consultation with Pain Treatment Centers of America today. Together, we can develop a treatment plan designed to help you regain control of your daily activities and move toward lasting relief.
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Understanding Medications & Pharmacologic Options for Pain Management

By Bob Berendsen • February 1, 2026
Chronic or acute pain has the potential to significantly impact your daily life, making even everyday tasks a hassle. Pain Treatment Centers of America believes that knowing your medication options is a crucial step in building an appropriate, personal pain management strategy. While many treatment options are available, pharmacologic therapy has been the peak of comprehensive care. Types of Medications Used in Pain Management Pain medications are not universalized. The selection of the right prescription depends on the pain type, severity, and medical history. Common categories include: 1. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, tend to be the first line of defense for low levels of pain. They reduce swelling and provide comfort associated with conditions like arthritis, back pain, or joint injuries. In some patients, however, they can affect the stomach or kidneys. Therefore, careful studying and dosing guidance from a professional is key. 2. Acetaminophen Acetaminophen is mostly for general pain reduction and is sometimes combined with other treatments. Unlike NSAIDs, it doesn’t target swelling. Nonetheless, it can be effective for pain relief and daily improvement. 3. Muscle Relaxants For pain caused by muscle spasms or tension, muscle relaxants can provide relief. These medications work by calming overactive muscles and are usually prescribed for short-term use to prevent dependency or side effects. 4. Antidepressants and Anti-Seizure Medications Certain antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs can treat neuropathic (nerve) pain. They work by altering how the nervous system processes signals of pain throughout your body. Even if you do not experience depression or seizures, these medications assist with pain control. 5. Opioids Opioids are strong pain-relieving medications chosen for more potent pain when other options aren’t doing the trick. At Pain Treatment Centers of America, we practice strict guidelines to minimize risks, evaluate patient progress, and ensure healthy, responsible use. A combination of Opioids can be introduced to other treatments as part of a multimodal pain management plan. Personalized Pain Management The effectiveness of medications is best when combined with other therapies; physical therapy, interventional procedures, and lifestyle changes. We work closely with each patient to structure a plan that focuses on the root cause of pain, not just the signs. Every treatment plan is carefully engineered, giving thought to variables like medical history, existing conditions, and possible side effects. Patients are taught how to use the medication safely, dosing schedules, and expectations of each prescription. Take the Next Step Understanding your medication options enables you to take charge of your pain and improve your life overall. If you’re having issues with chronic or acute pain, our professionals at Pain Treatment Centers of America will gladly help. We mix the most up-to-date pharmacologic therapies with personalized care to provide comfort, improve function, and enhance your total well-being. Schedule a consultation today to learn which pain management medications are a good fit.
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