How might a DO's approach differ when treating a patient with chronic pain?

The approach a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) takes when treating a patient with chronic pain is distinctive due to the emphasis on holistic care and the integration of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) techniques into the treatment plan. This comprehensive approach considers not just the physical symptoms of pain, but also the emotional and psychological well-being of the patient.

Incorporating OMM allows the DO to directly address musculoskeletal issues that may contribute to chronic pain, promoting a more thorough understanding of the patient’s condition. Such techniques can improve function, alleviate discomfort, and enhance the body’s capacity for self-healing.

Additionally, emphasizing a holistic treatment plan means the DO is likely to explore a variety of interventions tailored to the individual needs of the patient, which could include lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and rehabilitation strategies in addition to manual therapies and medication management. This is in contrast to focusing solely on medication or limiting treatments to single modalities, which may not address the multifaceted nature of chronic pain effectively.