About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 19, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A

Chronic Pain (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

Controlling Chronic Pain

It is not always possible to completely get rid of chronic pain. The patient's goal may be simply becoming able to perform more normal activities of daily living than before.

  • The doctor may ask the patient to rate the pain on a scale from 1 to 10.
  • It is also helpful to report whether it is possible to go to work, go shopping, exercise, sleep, or have sexual intercourse.
  • Sometimes, the only measure of effectiveness of treatment is that a patient can do certain things that were not possible before the treatment started. This is what the doctor needs to know in order to make decisions about the patient's treatment.
  • If nothing else works for the patient's pain and the doctor is unwilling to use opioids to control the pain, consider asking for a referral to a pain specialist or a pain clinic.

Must Read Articles Related to Chronic Pain

Back Pain
Back Pain Back pain may be caused by sciatica, a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia, injury and pregnancy. Possible symptoms include pain that radiates down t...learn more >>
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is an illness with no known cause. Symptoms include chronic pain, fatigue, fibrofog (mental haziness), insomnia, headaches, nervousness, numbness, ...learn more >>
Insomnia
Insomnia Insomnia affects most people at some point in their lifetime. Insomnia is actually a symptoms of a condition, disease, or situation. Non-medical treatment of in...learn more >>

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Chronic Pain - Management

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What steps have you taken to manage your chronic pain?

Chronic Pain - Effective Treatments

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

Please describe what treatments have been effective for your chronic pain.

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.

Please acknowledge your agreement




Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Chronic Pain Syndrome »

Chronic pain syndrome (CPS) is a common problem that presents a major challenge to healthcare providers because of its complex natural history, unclear etiology, and poor response to therapy.

Read More on Medscape Reference »


Medical Dictionary


Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies