What counts as chronic pain?
Pain is called chronic when it lasts longer than about three months, or longer than an injury would normally take to heal. It can be steady, or it can come and go. Chronic pain can affect sleep, mood, work and time with family, so it deserves the same attention as any other long-term health problem.
- Low back and neck pain
- Joint pain from arthritis in the knee, shoulder or hip
- Nerve pain, such as burning or tingling in the hands or feet
- Pain that lingers after an injury or surgery
- Headaches and muscle pain that keep coming back
How does a family doctor treat chronic pain?
Good pain care starts with finding the cause. Dr. Le will ask about your pain, look at how you move, and may order tests such as X-rays or blood work. Knowing the cause helps him choose treatments that fit you.
Most people do best with a mix of approaches rather than a single fix. Your plan is individualized and follows current medical guidelines. It may include:
- Gentle exercise, stretching and physical therapy
- Medicines chosen for your type of pain and your other health conditions
- Joint injections for knee, shoulder and hip pain, done in the office
- Osteopathic manipulation, a hands-on treatment for back, neck and joint pain
- Help with sleep, stress and mood, which can all make pain feel worse
Why see your primary care doctor for pain?
Your family doctor already knows your health history, your medicines and your other conditions. That makes it easier to choose treatments that are safe for you. At Westwood Family Medicine in Bluefield, Dr. Le offers several pain treatments right in the office and refers you to a specialist only when you truly need one.
Pain care works best over time. Regular follow-up visits let you and Dr. Le see what is helping, adjust the plan, and set goals that matter to you, like walking farther or sleeping through the night.
What can I do at home to manage chronic pain?
Daily habits can make a real difference in how pain feels. Small, steady changes often help more than big changes that are hard to keep up. Dr. Le can help you choose a few to start with:
- Stay active with gentle movement, such as walking or stretching, most days
- Use heat or ice for short periods to ease sore muscles and joints
- Keep a regular sleep schedule, since poor sleep can make pain worse
- Pace yourself by breaking big tasks into smaller steps with rest in between
- Keep a simple pain diary to spot patterns and share it at your visits
What to expect at your visit
- We talk about where it hurts, how long it has hurt, and what makes it better or worse.
- Dr. Le examines the painful area and checks how you move.
- He may order tests such as X-rays or blood work if they will help find the cause.
- Together you agree on a first plan and set a date to check how it is working.
Common questions about chronic pain management
Can chronic pain be cured?
Some causes of chronic pain can be fixed, and others can only be managed. Even when pain does not go away completely, the right mix of treatments often lowers pain and helps you do more. The goal is a plan that improves your daily life, and it may change over time.
Do I need a referral to a pain specialist?
Often you do not. Many people get good relief from care in their family doctor’s office, including exercise plans, medicines, joint injections and osteopathic manipulation. Dr. Le refers you to a pain specialist, orthopedist or other doctor if your pain needs treatment that is best done elsewhere.
What should I bring to my first pain visit?
Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements, any imaging reports or records from other doctors, and notes about your pain: where it is, when it started, what helps and what makes it worse. This helps Dr. Le understand your pain and plan your care faster.
Learn more from trusted sources
This page is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. Talk with Dr. Le about your own care.