Although chronic pain affects both your physical and mental health, it can be hard to put the experience into words. But without an accurate description, your doctor can’t devise an individualized treatment plan. That’s why – before seeking chronic pain relief – you should make sure you can answer the following inquiries.

5 Questions to Consider Before Seeing a Doctor for Chronic Pain

1. Where Does It Hurt?

Describe the exact location of your pain, and be specific. For instance, don’t simply say “my neck hurts.” Instead say, “my neck hurts on the right side, with some discomfort branching down my shoulder.” If possible, point to the exact spot that is painful.

2. When Does It Hurt?

Chronic pain fluctuates due to physiological factors and environmental triggers. So, before visiting a chronic pain management center, try to identify any trends or patterns. Is your discomfort worse in the morning? After standing for an extended period? Tell the doctor how your symptoms change throughout the day.

3. How Bad Is the Pain?

Your doctor will likely ask you to rate the severity of your pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst possible. If you’re able to sit in a chair and speak normally, your pain is not a 10. Saying it is may convey the urgency for chronic pain relief, but it doesn’t give your doctor the information they need to develop an appropriate treatment plan. Thus, you should be as honest and realistic as you can.

4. What Kind of Pain Is It?

In addition to assigning your pain a number 1 through 10, you should describe how it feels. For instance, is it stabbing or burning? Does it feel achy? As any back pain specialist will attest, different types of pain can indicate different problems.

5. How Does It Affect Your Life?

Lastly, consider how your chronic pain has affected your daily routine. Are there activities that you could do before the onset of your symptoms that you can’t do now? If so, make a note of them. These details will demonstrate the scope of your condition.

Knowing how to describe your pain is essential to chronic pain relief. Not only will it help your doctor provide an accurate diagnosis, but it will also help them create a treatment plan that caters to your unique symptoms.

As the Twin Cities’ leading chronic pain management center, iSpine Pain Physicians is here to help you take control of your symptoms and lead your best life. Call them at (763) 201-8191 today to schedule an appointment or visit them online for more information.