What to Expect During a Pain Clinic Visit: Busting Fears & Preparing for Your First Appointment

Your appointment is next Tuesday at 2 PM. You’ve been living with this pain for months, maybe years, and you finally made the call to Arizona Pain and Spine Institute. But now that it’s real, the anxiety is setting in. What will they do to me? Will they think I’m drug-seeking? What if they can’t help? What if they want to do procedures I’m not ready for?

Take a deep breath. These fears are not only normal—they’re nearly universal. Dr. Asim Khan and Dr. Daniel Ryklin have welcomed thousands of nervous first-time patients through their doors. They understand that walking into a pain clinic, especially for the first time, can feel overwhelming. You’re not just bringing your pain; you’re bringing your fears, your frustrations with past treatments, and maybe even some skepticism.

Let me walk you through exactly what will happen from the moment you arrive until you leave with a treatment plan. No surprises, no judgment, just compassionate care designed to finally address your pain effectively.

Before You Even Arrive: The Preparation That Makes a Difference

The night before your appointment, you might find yourself rehearsing what to say, worried you’ll forget something important. Here’s a secret: the best patients aren’t the ones with perfect presentations. They’re the ones who bring honest information, even if it’s disorganized.

Gather your medical records, but don’t panic if they’re incomplete. Bring what you have—old MRIs, X-ray reports, lists of medications you’ve tried, even handwritten notes from previous doctors. That folder of papers you’ve been accumulating? Bring it all. The staff at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute are experts at sorting through medical histories.

Write down your pain story, but not a novel. A simple timeline helps: when the pain started, what you think caused it, what makes it better or worse, treatments you’ve tried. Don’t worry about medical terminology. “It feels like someone’s stabbing me with a hot poker” tells Dr. Khan more than trying to use words you’re unsure about.

Prepare your medication list, including supplements. Be honest about everything—that CBD oil your neighbor recommended, the muscle relaxer from your friend, even if you’re taking more ibuprofen than recommended. This isn’t about judgment; it’s about safety and understanding what’s been helping or not helping.

Here’s what many patients don’t realize: dress comfortably. You might be asked to move, bend, or lie on an exam table. Wear clothes you can move in. Ladies, a two-piece outfit is easier than a dress if you need to expose your back. Leave the jewelry at home—you might need X-rays.

Walking Through the Door: The First Five Minutes Set the Tone

The moment you walk into Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, whether at their Mesa, Gilbert, or Queen Creek location, you’ll notice something different. This isn’t a cold, clinical environment. The staff understands you’re in pain—they won’t make you stand at a counter filling out forms if sitting would be more comfortable.

The receptionist has seen it all. The patient who breaks down crying at check-in because they’re so frustrated with their pain. The tough contractor who’s embarrassed to admit he can’t work anymore. The grandmother who whispers she’s afraid of becoming addicted to pain medication. These aren’t unusual—they’re Tuesday.

You’ll complete paperwork, but it’s designed for people in pain, not a legal dissertation. The pain diagram where you mark your pain locations? Just do your best. The 1-10 pain scale that everyone hates? They know it’s imperfect, but it’s a starting point. If you need help with forms because holding a pen hurts, just ask.

The wait won’t be long—Dr. Khan and Dr. Ryklin respect that sitting in a waiting room when you’re in pain is its own form of torture. But if you do wait, observe the other patients. You’ll see people of all ages, all walks of life. Pain doesn’t discriminate, and neither does compassionate treatment.

Meeting Your Doctor: The Conversation That Changes Everything

When Dr. Khan or Dr. Ryklin enters the room, the first thing you’ll notice is that they’re not rushing. Your appointment isn’t a 7-minute medication refill check. This is a comprehensive evaluation, and they’ve blocked appropriate time for it.

The history-taking might surprise you. Yes, they’ll ask about your pain, but they’ll also ask about your life. What do you do for work? What activities has pain stolen from you? What are your goals—is it playing with grandchildren, returning to golf, or just sleeping through the night? This isn’t small talk; it’s understanding you as a whole person, not just a spine or joint.

Be prepared for questions you haven’t been asked before. “What percentage of your day is consumed thinking about pain?” “Have you noticed personality changes since your pain began?” “What’s your biggest fear about your condition?” These questions help them understand not just your physical pain but its full impact on your life.

When describing your pain, be specific but don’t worry about being perfect. “It starts here and shoots down to here” while pointing is perfectly fine. If you say “burning” but mean “tingling,” they’ll help you clarify. They’ve developed an intuition for translating patient descriptions into medical understanding.

Here’s something that surprises many patients: they might spend more time discussing what hasn’t worked than what might work. Every failed treatment provides valuable information. That injection that made you worse? Important clue. The medication that helped for only two days? Another piece of the puzzle.

The Physical Examination: Gentle but Thorough

The physical exam causes anxiety for many, but at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, it’s nothing like what you might fear. Dr. Ryklin, with his expertise in biomechanical assessment, has a gentle approach that respects your pain levels.

You’ll be asked to move in various ways, but always with the caveat: “Only go as far as comfortable.” They’re not trying to prove you’re faking or test your pain tolerance. They’re observing movement patterns, muscle guarding, and neurological function. If something hurts too much, you simply say so, and they move on.

The neurological testing—checking reflexes, sensation, strength—provides crucial information. That little hammer isn’t meant to hurt. The pin-prick test isn’t torture. These simple tests can reveal whether nerves are involved and which ones, guiding treatment decisions.

They might palpate (medical term for carefully pressing) various areas to identify trigger points, inflammation, or structural issues. But here’s the key: they tell you what they’re doing and why. “I’m going to press along your spine to see if we can reproduce your pain pattern.” No surprises, no sudden movements.

Some patients worry about undressing, especially if they have body image concerns or cultural considerations. The staff is completely respectful of your comfort level. You’ll be appropriately draped, never exposed unnecessarily, and if you prefer to keep certain clothing on, just say so.

Reviewing Your Imaging: Finally Understanding Those Reports

If you’ve brought imaging, or if new X-rays are taken (their digital X-ray provides immediate results), Dr. Khan or Dr. Ryklin will review them with you—actually showing you the screen and explaining what they see.

This is often an “aha” moment for patients. That MRI report full of terrifying-sounding terms? They’ll translate it into plain English. “Moderate multilevel degenerative changes” becomes “normal wear and tear for someone your age.” “Disc desiccation at L4-L5” becomes “this disc has lost some water content, like a grape becoming a raisin.”

More importantly, they’ll explain what’s actually causing your pain versus what’s just incidental findings. Many patients have been terrified by MRI reports showing various “abnormalities” only to learn that the actual pain generator is something entirely different—and treatable.

They use the images to educate you. “See this area here? That’s where the nerve is being pinched. That’s why you feel pain down your leg.” Understanding your condition removes fear and helps you become an active participant in your treatment.

The Treatment Discussion: Your Options Laid Out Clearly

This is where Arizona Pain and Spine Institute really shines. Instead of dictating treatment, they present options. Dr. Khan might say, “Based on what I’m seeing, we have three potential approaches…” Then he explains each, including pros, cons, risks, benefits, and costs.

You’re never pressured into procedures. If they recommend an epidural injection, they’ll explain why, what to expect, success rates, and alternatives. If you’re not ready for that, they’ll offer other options. This isn’t a sales pitch; it’s a medical consultation where you’re part of the decision-making team.

They’re honest about outcomes. If something has a 70% success rate, they’ll tell you that, along with what happens for the 30% who don’t respond. They’ll discuss whether you’re a good candidate for specific treatments based on your particular condition, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Cost discussions happen upfront. Whether it’s covered by insurance, what your copay might be, or if it’s a cash-pay treatment like PRP—no surprises. The financial coordinator can even check your benefits while you’re there, so you know exactly what to expect.

The treatment plan isn’t set in stone. It’s a roadmap that can be adjusted. Start with the most conservative option and progress if needed? Aggressive approach because you’ve already tried everything else? The plan matches your comfort level and goals.

Addressing Your Unspoken Fears

Throughout the visit, the doctors and staff are attuned to the fears patients often don’t voice. Let’s address them directly:

“They’ll think I’m drug-seeking.” Dr. Khan and Dr. Ryklin can easily distinguish between someone seeking help for legitimate pain and drug-seeking behavior. If you need medication, they’ll prescribe appropriately. If you don’t want opioids, they have numerous alternatives. Your concerns about medication are valid and welcomed.

“They’ll push procedures I don’t want.” Never. They might recommend procedures, but the decision is always yours. Many patients start with conservative treatments and progress only if needed. Others are ready for advanced interventions immediately. Your pace, your choice.

“What if they can’t help me?” They’re honest about limitations. If your condition is beyond their scope, they’ll refer you to someone who can help. If your pain can’t be eliminated, they’ll focus on management and quality of life. There’s always something that can be done, even if it’s not a cure.

“I’m embarrassed about how I’ve been managing my pain.” Whether you’ve been self-medicating, using alternative treatments, or doing things your previous doctor told you not to do—no judgment. They need honest information to help you safely and effectively.

“The procedure rooms look scary.” If you proceed to same-day treatment (only with your consent), the procedure rooms are designed for comfort. Soft lighting, warm blankets, caring staff. Nothing happens without explanation and permission.

Real Patient Experiences: First Visit Stories

Sometimes hearing from others who’ve walked this path helps. Here are actual patient experiences from first visits:

Margaret, 67, from Scottsdale: “I was terrified they’d want to do surgery. I actually started crying when Dr. Ryklin said we had many options before even considering that. The relief of having choices was overwhelming.”

Robert, 45, from Mesa: “I’m a big guy, construction worker, and I was embarrassed that I couldn’t handle the pain. Dr. Khan said something I’ll never forget: ‘Pain is not a character issue. It’s a medical issue.’ That changed everything for me.”

Linda, 58, from Gilbert: “I brought in a garbage bag full of medical records, apologizing for the mess. The nurse smiled and said, ‘Honey, this is organized compared to what some people bring.’ They sorted through everything and actually found important information my previous doctors had missed.”

After the Appointment: What Happens Next

You’ll leave with several things: a clear diagnosis (or plan to get one), a treatment plan with multiple options, educational materials about your condition, and most importantly, hope.

If you’re starting with conservative treatment, you’ll have specific instructions. If you’re scheduled for a procedure, you’ll receive detailed preparation information. If you need additional testing, they’ll coordinate it. You won’t leave wondering “what now?”

The follow-up plan is clear. When will you return? What should prompt you to call sooner? What’s the expected timeline for improvement? These aren’t vague promises but specific milestones to track progress.

You can always call with questions. Forgot something the doctor said? Concerned about a symptom? Want to clarify treatment options? The staff expects these calls. It’s part of comprehensive care.

Preparing for Success: Your Pre-Appointment Checklist

To make your first visit as productive as possible:

1. Bring all medical records you have, organized or not
2. List all medications, including doses and what you’ve tried in the past
3. Write your pain story in simple terms—when, where, what makes it better/worse
4. Note your goals—what do you want to be able to do again?
5. Prepare questions but don’t worry if you forget them
6. Bring support if you want—a family member or friend is welcome
7. Arrive 15 minutes early for paperwork
8. Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to painful areas
9. Bring insurance cards and photo ID
10. Be honest about everything—your pain, fears, and previous treatments

Your Journey Starts with a Single Step

That first appointment at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute isn’t something to fear—it’s something to anticipate. It’s the beginning of a new chapter where your pain is taken seriously, your concerns are heard, and your treatment is personalized to your specific needs and goals.

Dr. Khan and Dr. Ryklin have created an environment where expertise meets empathy. Where cutting-edge treatments are delivered with old-fashioned caring. Where you’re not a number or a diagnosis but a person deserving of the best possible care.

The hardest part is making the call. Once you walk through those doors, you’re in capable, caring hands. The anxiety you’re feeling about that first visit? It usually evaporates within the first few minutes of meeting the staff and doctors who genuinely want to help you reclaim your life from pain.

Call today at (480) 986-7246 to schedule your appointment. Tell them it’s your first visit to a pain clinic—they’ll take extra care to make you comfortable. Whether you choose their Mesa, Gilbert, or Queen Creek location, you’re choosing to stop living with pain and start living again.

Visit their website at gotpainarizona.com to learn more about the doctors, treatments, and read stories from patients who were once as nervous as you are now.

Your first visit isn’t the scary unknown you’ve been imagining. It’s the hopeful beginning you’ve been waiting for. Take that step. Your future pain-free self will thank you.

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Remember: This article provides general information about what to expect during a pain clinic visit. Your specific experience may vary based on your condition and needs. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare providers.