If you’re living with chronic pain, you may have heard that a pain management doctor can help — but what exactly do they do? Understanding the role of a pain management specialist can help you make informed decisions about your care and take the first step toward relief.
At Keith Schmidt, MD in Hoffman Estates, IL, Dr. Schmidt is a triple board-certified pain management physician who helps patients throughout the northwest suburbs find lasting relief from chronic pain conditions.
What Is a Pain Management Doctor?
A pain management doctor is a physician who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that cause acute or chronic pain. Unlike general practitioners who treat a wide range of health issues, pain management specialists focus exclusively on understanding the source of your pain and developing targeted treatment plans.
These physicians complete additional fellowship training beyond their residency, giving them advanced expertise in interventional procedures, nerve blocks, and other specialized pain treatments. Dr. Keith Schmidt, for example, is board-certified in anesthesiology, pain medicine, and lifestyle medicine — a combination that allows him to address pain from multiple angles.
When Should You See a Pain Management Specialist?
You might benefit from seeing a pain management doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Chronic pain lasting more than three months that hasn’t responded to over-the-counter medications
- Back pain or neck pain that limits your daily activities or work
- Sciatica or radiating nerve pain down your arms or legs
- Joint pain from arthritis or injury that affects your mobility
- Post-surgical pain that persists beyond the expected recovery period
- Failed conservative treatments — physical therapy, medication, or chiropractic care haven’t provided adequate relief
Many patients are referred to pain management specialists by their primary care physician, but you can also schedule a consultation directly.
Common Conditions Treated by Pain Management Doctors
Pain management specialists treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Lower back pain — the most common reason patients seek pain management care
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Neck pain and cervical radiculopathy
- Sciatica
- Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Neuropathy and nerve damage
- Cancer-related pain
- Vertebral compression fractures
What Treatments Does a Pain Management Doctor Offer?
Modern pain management goes far beyond simply prescribing medication. At our Hoffman Estates practice, Dr. Schmidt offers a comprehensive range of interventional pain treatments designed to target the source of your pain:
Epidural Steroid Injections
These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the epidural space around the spinal nerves, providing targeted relief for conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation uses heat energy to disrupt pain signals from specific nerves. This procedure can provide relief lasting six months to two years for patients with facet joint pain or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Spinal Cord Stimulation
For patients with chronic nerve pain who haven’t responded to other treatments, spinal cord stimulators use mild electrical impulses to interrupt pain signals before they reach the brain.
Joint Injections and Nerve Blocks
Targeted injections can diagnose and treat pain in specific joints or nerve pathways, providing both diagnostic information and therapeutic relief.
Kyphoplasty
This minimally invasive procedure treats vertebral compression fractures by restoring vertebral height and stabilizing the fracture with bone cement.
Basivertebral Nerve Ablation (Intracept)
One of the newest treatments available, basivertebral nerve ablation targets the nerve inside the vertebral body itself — a breakthrough option for patients with chronic vertebrogenic low back pain.
What to Expect at Your First Pain Management Appointment
Your first visit with a pain management doctor typically includes:
- Comprehensive medical history review — including your pain history, previous treatments, medications, and imaging studies
- Physical examination — focused on identifying the source and characteristics of your pain
- Diagnostic imaging review — your doctor will review any MRIs, X-rays, or CT scans you bring
- Personalized treatment plan — based on your diagnosis, you’ll receive a tailored plan that may include one or more treatment approaches
- Discussion of goals — a good pain management doctor will discuss realistic expectations and work with you to set achievable goals for pain relief and function
Why Choose a Board-Certified Pain Management Specialist?
Board certification matters when choosing a pain management doctor. It ensures your physician has completed rigorous training and passed comprehensive examinations in their specialty. Dr. Keith Schmidt’s triple board certification in anesthesiology, pain medicine, and lifestyle medicine means he brings a uniquely comprehensive approach to treating chronic pain.
His background in lifestyle medicine also means he considers the whole picture — including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management — as part of your pain management plan. This integrative approach often leads to better long-term outcomes than procedures alone.
Pain Management in Hoffman Estates and the Northwest Suburbs
Dr. Schmidt’s practice serves patients throughout the Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Palatine, Barrington, Elk Grove Village, Rolling Meadows, and greater northwest suburban Chicago area. Conveniently located with easy access from I-90 and Route 59, our office makes it easy to get the expert pain care you deserve.
Take the First Step Toward Pain Relief
If chronic pain is affecting your quality of life, don’t wait to seek help. A pain management specialist can identify the source of your pain and create a treatment plan designed to get you back to the activities you love.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Keith Schmidt today, or call our office at (847) 981-3630 to learn more about how we can help you find relief.