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typically you see your PCP first.
PCP is the one who makes referral to other physician specialists, like a pain and rehabilitation medicine physician. the PM&R’s attempt to identify the pain generators through a series of different types of injections sometimes accompanied w/ PT, OT, MT, and possibly chiro.
when those fail (conservative treatment), the Pt is referred to either a neurosurgeon or orthopedic surgeon.
This type of behavior is a coping mechanism when under high amounts of stress, ie controlling what they can rather than confronting the adversity of the unknown.
it can be therapeutic in moderation