Pain management can be simple or complex, depending on the cause of the pain. An example of pain that is typically less complex would be nerve root irritation from a herniated disc with pain radiating down the leg. This condition can often be alleviated with an epidural steroid injection and physical therapy. Sometimes, however, the pain does not go away. This can require a wide variety of skills and techniques to treat the pain. These skills and techniques include:

• Interventional procedures
• Medication management
• Physical therapy or chiropractic therapy
• Psychological counseling and support
• Acupuncture and other alternative therapies; and
• Referral to other medical specialists

All of these skills and services are necessary because pain can involve many aspects of a person’s daily life.