Did you know that communicating with your healthcare provider is a critical part of finding relief for chronic pain? According to Dr. Robert N. Jamison, chief psychologist at the Pain Management Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, pain “…is a subjective experience and though there is no way to measure it, it is very real.” As a result, effective communication is key.
As you talk to your doctor, remember to:
1. Pinpoint the pain…tell your provider exactly where your back hurts and which joints bother you, and when.
2. Rate the pain…use a zero to 10 scale,where zero is no pain and 10 is the worst pain. Try to use descriptive words like “excruciating” or “debilitating” so your doctor can better understand the severity of your condition.
3. Give a timeline…explain when the pain started; whether it’s constant or off and on; what makes it flare up; and whether certain activities make it better or worse.
4. Share personal toll…tell your doctor if the pain is making you depressed or anxious, preventing you from sleeping, etc. The same goes for having trouble with everyday activities like climbing stairs, going for a walk or doing housework.
5. Chart the treatments…talk about any medications or therapies that have worked for you—and which ones haven’t.
6. Be specific…describe provider what the pain feels like. Is it burning? Tingling? Aching? Throbbing, stabbing or shooting? The more specific you are, the better.
The therapists at Clear Passage couldn’t agree more with Dr. Jamison. Treatment at Clear Passage begins with a thorough review of your history and a on-site physical evaluation by your evaluating therapist. We relate our findings to you, and ask you for any comments or input you would like to share with us. We invite (but do not require) your active participation with the team that is creating your results.
Learn more about chronic pain and communicating with your doctor
