Which department should I see for chronic pain?

Name: Which department should I see for chronic pain?
Creator: Which Department
Published: 2026-09-16

2026-09-16 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Short answer

Rehabilitation Medicine(재활의학과) is generally the first department to consider for chronic pain, as it specializes in evaluating and managing persistent pain that has lasted three months or more. Depending on the suspected cause, you may also be referred to or start with Neurology(신경과), Orthopedics(정형외과), or Rheumatology(류마티스내과). A doctor's assessment is always needed to determine which path fits your specific situation.

Which department

1Rehabilitation Medicine(재활의학과)
This department focuses on diagnosing and managing chronic musculoskeletal and neurological pain, aiming to restore daily function. It takes a multidisciplinary view of pain, considering physical, neurological, and lifestyle factors together. — First / second line: A local clinic(의원) specializing in rehabilitation medicine is generally a reasonable first stop for chronic pain that is not clearly linked to a specific organ. If more advanced imaging or intervention is needed, a referral to a larger hospital may follow.
2Orthopedics(정형외과)
When chronic pain is clearly connected to bones, joints, tendons, or ligaments — such as ongoing knee, back, or shoulder pain — orthopedics is commonly involved. This department assesses structural causes of persistent pain. — First / second line: A primary-level orthopedic clinic is often appropriate when the pain is localized to a specific joint or skeletal area. A referral to a hospital-level specialist is generally arranged if surgery or advanced diagnostics are being considered.
3Neurology(신경과)
Neurology handles chronic pain that appears to originate from the nervous system, such as neuropathic pain, chronic headache, or pain with numbness and tingling. Conditions like fibromyalgia or complex regional pain may also be evaluated here. — First / second line: Starting at a neurology clinic is generally suitable when pain is accompanied by neurological symptoms such as weakness, sensory changes, or headache. Referral to a hospital department may occur if specialized nerve studies are indicated.
4Rheumatology(류마티스내과)
When chronic pain is widespread, occurs in multiple joints, or is associated with fatigue, morning stiffness, or systemic symptoms, rheumatology evaluates for autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. — First / second line: Rheumatology is typically accessed through a referral from a primary-care or internal medicine clinic, as rheumatology clinics are more common at the hospital level. A referral letter(진료의뢰서) may be required under general Korean healthcare practice.

Go to the ER / call 119 if

If any of the following applies, do not choose a department — go to an emergency room or call 119 (Korea's emergency number).

Sudden, severe pain that is completely different from your usual chronic pain pattern and comes on without warning.
Chronic pain accompanied by unexplained significant weight loss over a short period.
Pain associated with loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin or inner thigh area.
Persistent pain that wakes you from sleep every night and does not change with any position.
Chronic pain accompanied by high fever, chills, or signs of active infection.

Before your visit

Note when the pain first started and whether it has been continuous or intermittent over the months.
Describe what makes the pain better or worse — activity, rest, time of day, posture, weather, and so on.
List all current medications, supplements, and any treatments you have already tried, along with their results.
Bring any previous imaging results, lab results, or medical records related to this pain, even from another country.
Write down all accompanying symptoms such as numbness, swelling, fatigue, stiffness, or changes in mood and sleep.
If your pain has a clear location, try to mark or describe it precisely — whether it stays in one spot or spreads elsewhere.

General principles

Chronic pain is generally defined as pain lasting three months or more, and it is approached differently from acute pain because the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors are often more complex. Korean healthcare generally encourages starting at a primary-level clinic(의원) before moving to a hospital, and a referral letter is typically needed when visiting a secondary or tertiary hospital for the first time. The appropriate department depends heavily on where the pain is located, what it feels like, and what other symptoms accompany it.

Because chronic pain can originate from many different systems — musculoskeletal, neurological, or systemic — it is common for more than one department to be involved in evaluation over time. Rehabilitation medicine often serves as a coordinating entry point, but a doctor may recommend imaging studies, nerve conduction tests, or blood work to help narrow down the cause. The goal of the initial visit is generally to understand the pain pattern rather than to jump immediately to a specific treatment.

Under Korean national health insurance(건강보험), coverage and co-payment levels can differ depending on whether you visit a clinic, a general hospital, or a tertiary hospital. Foreigners with valid health insurance registration are generally subject to the same system, but it is advisable to confirm your insurance status before the visit. Carrying identification and any existing medical documents in a language your doctor can reference will generally make the consultation more efficient.

FAQ

Should I go to a local clinic or a large hospital for chronic pain?

General Korean medical practice encourages starting at a local clinic(의원) first, as this is the standard first step in the referral system. If the clinic determines that further evaluation at a hospital is needed, they will typically issue a referral letter, which is generally required and affects your insurance co-payment at larger facilities.

How is chronic pain different from ordinary pain, and does that change which department I see?

Chronic pain lasting three months or more is generally evaluated with a broader lens than short-term pain, since contributing factors can include nerve changes, inflammation, posture, or lifestyle. This is one reason rehabilitation medicine or neurology may be involved rather than simply orthopedics, depending on the symptom pattern. A doctor will help identify which direction makes most sense after hearing your history.

What kinds of examinations are generally done for chronic pain?

The types of tests considered depend entirely on the suspected cause and will be decided by the physician after taking your history. Common options in general medical practice include imaging such as X-ray or MRI, blood tests to check for inflammation or autoimmune markers, and nerve conduction studies for neurological pain. No specific test is universally required — this is always a clinical judgment.

Is the approach to chronic pain different for older adults or children?

In older adults, chronic pain is often complicated by multiple conditions occurring together, and the choice of department may reflect that complexity — for example, internal medicine(내과) or geriatrics may also be involved. In children and adolescents, chronic pain evaluation often involves a pediatric specialist and may include assessment of growth-related factors. In both cases, a consultation with a doctor is the appropriate starting point to determine the right department.

Find a clinic (external directories)

External directories for finding a clinic by region once you know the department (public data, no rankings or recommendations).

Hospital directory by region (koreahospital.org)

This page is general medical information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or choosing a clinic. Consult a doctor for any symptom. In an emergency, go to the ER or call 119 immediately.