Pain One's People Describing Aches Care Doctor Treat

When Americans are in pain, they usually go to their "primary care physician," or the doctor who normally takes care of them. He or she might give a "referral" (recommendation) to a "specialist" (someone who has a lot of information or experience in a particular field or area) who can treat the pain.

For example, after an accident or injury, someone might need to see a "physical therapist," who is a medical professional who helps someone "regain" (get again) physical movement and "abilities" (being able to do something), especially after an injury. If you break your arm and it is in a "cast" (something that prevents part of one's body from moving while a broken bone heals) for several weeks or months, the muscle becomes weaker, but a physical therapist can help you regain movement in the arm.

Other people who are in pain might "turn to" (look for a solution in) "alternative medicine," or treatments that are not offered my most doctors. They might use "acupuncture" (the practice of putting small needles in one's skin) or "hypnosis" (the practice of having someone say things while one is sleeping in order to change one's behavior) to reduce or "eliminate" (get rid of) pain. They might also try special "massages," having people touch their muscles in specific ways.

People who are in "chronic pain" (pain that will not go away, even with medical treatment) might see a "pain management specialist," who is a doctor who specializes in treating pain. Pain management specialists usually use a combination of alternative medicine and "prescription medications" (drugs that can be taken only with a doctor's written permission) to treat pain.