There are a number of key reasons why a doctor might send a patient to a pain management specialist. Some of these reasons include chronic pain that is not responding to traditional treatment methods, or a need for interventional pain management techniques, such as nerve blocks or spinal injections. Additionally, your doctor might send you to a pain management specialist so that a pain management plan can be developed right away. A pain management plan may include the following: psychological support, physical therapy, and medications. Additionally, if a patient has a condition that affects their ability to function in their daily life, pain management can help them manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.