Chronic Pain Specialist

Diagnostic Pain & Treatment Center

Raka Gohel, MD

Pain Management Physician located in Tomball, TX & The Woodlands, TX

Around 20% of American adults live with chronic pain. If you have pain that’s lasted for more than three months and hasn’t responded to at-home therapies, contact Raka Gohel, MD, at Diagnostic Pain & Treatment Center in Tomball and The Woodlands, Texas. Dr. Gohel is a double board-certified pain management expert who will work with you to find an effective solution to manage your chronic pain. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about your options for chronic pain management.

Chronic Pain Q & A

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain, either intermittent or constant, covers a broad range of conditions that cause pain that lasts for three months or more. Depending on your situation, your pain may be localized to one part of your body, or you may experience pain and tenderness throughout your person. Your pain may also be sharp and shooting, or it could be a dull, persistent ache.

Chronic pain can manifest in a variety of ways including headaches, nerve pain, and musculoskeletal pain. In addition to pain, it can also lead to depression and anxiety, as well as mental fog, confusion, and fatigue.

What are the causes of chronic pain?

Many factors and conditions contribute to chronic pain including trauma, genetics, psychological factors, environment, and your lifestyle. For example, chronic pain can stem from:

  • Arthritis
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Endometriosis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Cystitis
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder
  • Vulvodynia
  • Failed back surgery

Your risk of chronic pain increases if you’ve sustained an injury, had surgery, or have a degenerative condition. Women in general and people who are overweight or obese are also more likely to develop chronic pain conditions.

How is chronic pain managed?

Chronic pain is often challenging to diagnose and treat. However, Dr. Gohel is committed to finding the right treatments to reduce and manage your pain so you can lead a healthy and fulfilling life. You may need to try several treatment options, but Dr. Gohel won’t quit until she finds the best therapy for you.

Your treatment plan is completely customized to meet your needs. Dr. Gohel may include a variety of therapies including:

  • Medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, steroids, opioids, and antidepressants
  • Epidural injections
  • Facet joint injections
  • Nerve blocks
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Spinal cord stimulation
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Physical therapy
  • Mental health counseling

Dr. Gohel may also suggest lifestyle modifications to enhance your overall well-being. For example, you may benefit from changes to your diet and exercise habits. In addition to helping you lose weight, which reduces stress on your body, exercise releases feel-good hormones, which can help you feel better equipped to cope with your pain.

If you’re living with chronic pain, call Diagnostic Pain & Treatment Center or schedule a consultation online today.