When you have a minor injury, or you experience everyday aches and pains, you probably don't go to your health care professional for treatment. You might try a variety of self-care measures at home, such as using ice or heat or taking an over-the-counter medication. But for more serious types of pain or when you aren't sure what's causing your pain, that's when you should consult your health care professional.

If you believe you might benefit from more individualized care, then you might want to see a pain specialist. Or maybe your health care professional can recommend that you see a pain specialist. Physicians who specialize in the practice of pain medicine can help diagnose the cause of your pain — provided a cause can be found — as well as develop a plan for treating the pain.