The first step that should be taken is an evaluation by the primary care physician who can help determine the current status and determine whether or not the care of a rheumatologist is appropriate. Any musculoskeletal pain that is not severe or disabling may only last a few days.
Many different types of diseases which a rheumatologist would treat are not easily identified in the early stages. Primary care physicians may refer early in the diagnosis to a rheumatologist in order to give their patient the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment. It is important to determine the correct diagnosis as early as possible because many of these conditions are progressive. With the right treatment protocols the progression can be slowed and sometimes even halted. Other musculoskeletal disorders will only respond best only when treatment is begun in the early stages.
Be prepared to visit your rheumatologists on a consistent basis because many diseases are complex and require consistent evaluation and tweaking of the treatment protocol. The disease itself may often change or evolve over time so that rheumatologists who are working closely with their patients can design an individualized treatment protocol.
Many times the rheumatologists will work closely with the primary care physician and may only act as a consultant to advise the other physician. In other situations the rheumatologists will manage the illness and bring together a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers to give their patients the best possible outcome.
Musculoskeletal disorders are often treated with a multidisciplinary team approach because the condition is often chronic and painful. By using a team the healthcare professionals can help the patients and their families cope with the changes the condition will often cause in their lives.
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