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

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.