Pain FAQ

How can I control my pain?

It is important to know that most pain can be relieved.7

Some available treatment options for pain relief include:

  • Medication
  • Rehabilitation Techniques (re-conditioning, re-training and lifestyle changes)
  • Psychological interventions & counseling
  • Devices and surgical interventions
  • Complementary and alternative medicine

Your doctor will work with you to find the treatment, or combination of treatments, that may be best for your pain. While there are a variety of treatment options available for those living in pain, different therapies might not work for everyone.3

What do I need to know about taking medication if it is prescribed for my pain?

The key to effective pain control through prescribed medication is to take the right amount of the right medicine at the right time. You should take your pain medicine on a regular schedule as directed by your health care provider. Don’t wait until the pain becomes severe, because it is easier to control when it is mild than when it has reached full force. If your pain medicine wears off too soon, is not relieving the pain, or causes problems with side effects, you should consult with your doctor, because you may need to have your treatment plan changed.7

How will my health care provider diagnose my pain?

Your healthcare provider may:3

  • Perform a complete physical exam
  • Complete a pain assessment
  • Ask detailed questions about your medical history and lifestyle
  • Order blood work, X-rays and other tests

How can I describe my pain to my doctor?

Your health care provider needs to know as much as possible about your pain and daily life in order to develop the best plan to control it, including the following:3

  • Type of pain (whether it is acute or chronic)
  • Category of pain (nociceptive or neuropathic)
  • Intensity of your pain
  • Your physical condition, coping ability and challenges
  • Your lifestyle and preferences for treatment

For more information, download the American Pain Foundation PDF guide "Treatment Options: A Guide for People Living with Pain."

Your healthcare provider may ask you to rate your pain on a pain rating scale, a helpful tool you can use to describe how much pain you are feeling and to measure how well treatments are relieving your pain.8

References

  1. 3. Altilio T, Brennan M, Dahl J, et al. Treatment options: A guide for people living in pain [publication online]*. 2006. Accessed October 9, 2008.
  2. 7. Brief Pain Inventory (Short Form). Pain Research Group, Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. September 2004.
  3. 8. Understanding your pain: Using a pain rating scale [publication online]. Adapted from Mccafferty M, Pasero C. Pain: Clinical Manual, 2nd ed., 1999: Mosby, Inc.

 

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