Some people may find it difficult to talk about their pain even to their doctor. This simple Conversation Starter will give you some ideas on how to communicate both the nature and level of the pain you are experiencing.
Remember pain is important
Pain is an essential part of the way our bodies work it is important and legitimate. Do not suffer in silence.
Pain may be the result of an underlying condition. In other cases there may be no identifiable cause of the pain, but the pain should still be treated.
Chronic moderate to severe pain (ongoing for a period longer than 3 months) can lead to loss of quality of life, and a loss of function.
Understanding how and why you are in pain is important and relevant information for your doctor as it assists them in making their assessment of your condition and how best to treat you. There may also be a number of options for the treatment of the pain identified.
Pain can change over time and it is important to inform your doctor if the pain relief options prescribed are no longer working.
Conversation starter: some questions to consider when preparing to speak to your doctor
