![](https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/95e01e12-c40a-43cb-b1f0-a162f8351041.jpeg)
![](https://lemmy.world/pictrs/image/13c64711-f6bb-429b-a54a-4e65e4e37046.png)
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