When To Call a Doctor

Call a doctor about chronic pain if:

• Your pain has lasted more than 3 months without a clear reason.
• You are feeling down or blue or are not enjoying the activities or hobbies that you have enjoyed in the past. You may be experiencing depression, which is common with chronic pain.
• You are unable to sleep because of the pain.
• You had an illness or injury that healed, but the pain has not gone away.
• You have a family member or friend who appears to be suffering from chronic pain, and you would like information about treatment.

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your doctor observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. If you are able to control occasional, mild to moderate pain with exercise, healthy eating, massage, and pain relievers—such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, ibuprofen or aspirin—you may not need further treatment from a doctor. But watchful waiting is not appropriate if your pain is severe or if persistent pain interferes with your life. If you delay treatment, the pain may get worse.

Who to see

If you have mild to moderate pain that keeps coming back and that cannot be managed at home, you may need to see one of the following health professionals:

• Family doctor
• Internist, a doctor who specializes in the care of adults
• Nurse practitioner, a nurse who has advanced training
• Physician assistant, a health professional who practices medicine under a doctor's supervision
• Doctor of osteopathy, a doctor who uses manipulation or manual treatment, but also medicine, surgery, and other kinds of treatment

If your chronic pain is moderate to severe and is constant, or if treatment does not control the pain, you may need to see a specialist, such as one or more of the following:

• Pain management specialist, a doctor who specializes in treating chronic pain
• Physiatrist, a doctor who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation
• Physical therapist, someone who evaluates physical problems and injuries and then provides education and treatment
• Neurologist, a doctor who specializes in treating the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system
• Anesthesiologist, a doctor who specializes in using pain-blocking techniques and medicines
• Psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed mental health counselor, all of whom specialize in treating mental health and behavior issues
• Orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who specializes in bone, muscle, and joint surgery
• Rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in treating problems in the joints
• Chiropractor, someone who specializes in treating problems that affect the alignment of muscles and bones

Often more than one specialist will treat your chronic pain. For example, a primary physician may manage your medicines, and a physical therapist may help you restore function through exercise or other treatments. A professional counselor may help you with coping and depression. Someone else may help you with acupuncture or yoga.

If chronic pain persists and interferes with your daily life despite treatment, you may want to seek an evaluation at a pain management clinic. A pain management clinic is a setting where you receive treatment and learn to cope with chronic pain. Treatment is usually provided by a team of doctors who work together to address all the possible causes of your chronic pain.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.