Empathetic pain management doctor Recommendation for NOVA?

[Anonymous]

My mom is about to turn 70 and has a wide variety of issues with her hip/back/legs that's causing pain and mobility issues. She's seen several doctors without a clear diagnosis.

Can anyone recommend a pain management and/or back specialist in northern virginia with a particularly empathetic bedside manner? Mom's dealt with a lot of brisk and uncommunicative doctors and she doesn't respond well to that. (Stress, anxiety and likely undiagnosed depression are factors as well, but she's not open to therapy at this point.)

We're looking for someone who will listen to her (even when she talks to much...) and make sure she feels heard and can provide a more reassuring approach as they work to resolve or mitigate her issues.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Did you post on Health and Medicine?

[Anonymous]

yup

[Anonymous]

Dr. Fischer at Horizon Pain in Fairfax. Nice guy, takes his time to figure out where the pain is coming from. Most treatments are invasive, FYI, usually effective though.

[Anonymous]

There is a psychological component to our perception of degree of pain. This doesn't mean it's in her head, but it does mean it is highly advised to treat the mental health issues both to help decrease the physical pain-even if it's just a little, and help her interact with doctors in appropriately in the allotted time. If you are thinking "yeah, right." It is a challenge for most people to get their parents depression, etc treated. It's the rare older parent who acknowledges the problem and wants to do something about it, but it is essential even just for quality of life.