Chronic pain is a very general term, but it is essentially the result of medical conditions and affects many around the world. Those that experience chronic pain usually are unable to find solutions and suffer in silence, which can be debilitating because pain can limit physical mobility, affect mental health, and reduce overall quality of life. There are various reasons why chronic pain happens—these can be from conditions such as arthritis, back pain, fibromyalgia, or nerve damage, and it can range from mild discomfort to excruciating pain.
Managing chronic pain needs a bit of patience and grace. It’s always important to first speak to your doctor to understand why you have chronic pain. This will also help you understand the pain, where it is, why it’s there, and work with your doctor to find solutions. Sometimes, it can be hard to explain chronic pain to your doctor—it’s not the same for everyone, and this can lead to misdiagnosis or ineffective treatments. There are some steps you can take to help communicate your chronic pain symptoms to your doctor.
Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain that lasts over a long period of time—most commonly for more than three months. It can be different for everyone—it can be continuous or intermittent and can be mild to severe. Unlike acute pain that happens from an injury or illness, chronic pain can sometimes happen without any obvious cause. Some common causes of chronic pain include:
Arthritis
This is one of the most common causes of chronic pain—especially among older adults. It happens when the cartilage that protects the joints wears down, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Arthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, and hands.
Back pain
Back pain, especially lower back pain, is very common—it can be from age-related wear and tear on the spine, muscle strain, herniated discs, or conditions like spinal stenosis.
Neuropathy
This means nerve damage that is caused by conditions such as diabetes, infections, or vitamin deficiencies, which can lead to burning, tingling, or sharp pain that affects different areas of the body, including the hands, feet, and legs.
Fibromyalgia
This is a condition that results in muscle pain and tenderness all over the body, which can lead to fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive issues.
Headaches and migraines
Chronic headaches and migraines can limit everyday activity—they are long-lasting and recurring, causing intense pain, nausea, and even sensitivity to light or sound.
Being able to properly communicate your pain symptoms to your doctor is important because it will not only help you get the correct diagnosis, but it also will help you get the right treatment. Doctors cannot directly observe your pain, so they need to depend on how you describe it to diagnose you accurately.
Key Aspects Of Pain To Communicate With Your Doctor
Intensity (how bad does it hurt?)
The intensity of your pain will help doctors understand how bad it is—its severity—and how it affects your physical health. Commonly, doctors ask their patients to describe the pain on a pain scale of 0-10, with 0 representing no pain and 10 representing the worst pain imaginable. In order to explain to your doctor the intensity of your pain,
- Identify the range of pain you experience on a daily basis. Does it fluctuate from mild to severe? Do you experience periods of relief?
- Describe any changes in the pain’s intensity over time, such as whether the pain has worsened or remained stable.
Location (where does it hurt?)
Try your best to tell or point out to your doctor where you’re feeling the pain. For example, instead of saying, “I have back pain,” try to say, “I feel pain in my lower back, just above my hips, and it goes down to my left leg.” If the pain is in more than one place, such as with conditions like fibromyalgia, show the general areas to your doctors. It is also good to keep track of any pain patterns, such as whether the pain is localized to one side of the body or moves from one area to another.
Types (what does the pain feel like?)
There are different ways to describe the type of pain.
- Sharp: Sudden and intense, like a stabbing sensation.
- Dull: Continuous and aching pain that may not be as severe but can be persistent.
- Burning: Often related to nerve damage, burning pain can feel like hot or prickling sensations.
- Throbbing: A rhythmic or pulsing pain, like with headaches or inflammation.
- Stiffness: A feeling of tightness or less mobility, commonly seen with joint issues like arthritis.
Duration and frequency (how long does the pain last? How many times a day do you feel it?)
Knowing the duration and frequency of the pain helps your doctor figure out if the pain is because of an acute injury, an ongoing condition, or something that’s progressively worsening. If your pain has been continuing for months or years, tell the doctor whether it has been stable or gradually getting worse. Also, explain any patterns you notice, such as whether the pain gets worse at certain times of day or after certain activities.
Triggers and relief (what makes the pain worse? What makes it better?)
This can help doctors identify the cause—some common triggers are physical activities, certain movements, temperature changes, or emotional stress. For example, you may find that your joint pain gets worse in cold weather or that lifting heavy objects triggers back pain. In the same way, does anything help you feel better, like resting, using heat or cold packs, or taking certain medications?
Impact on day-to-day life
Chronic pain can affect more than just your physical health—it can impact mental health, work, relationships, and social activities. Be honest with your doctor about how the pain affects your daily tasks. For example, do you have difficulty climbing stairs or walking? Does the pain interfere with your sleep or focus?
Preparing for Your Doctor’s Appointment
Keep some notes
Tracking your pain symptoms can help you easily show/tell your doctor what they need to know. You can track the time of day, the intensity of the pain, anything that triggers or helps the pain, and the impact on your daily life. Over time, you will be able to see patterns that will help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis. Also, try to always write down all the symptoms you’re experiencing. It’s easy to forget details at the moment, so having a written record will make sure you don’t leave out any important information when talking to your doctor.
Medication list
Keep a list of all medications you take—it should include over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and prescriptions. Some medications may interact with pain treatments or make certain conditions worse, so it’s important that your doctor is aware of everything you’re using.
Bring a buddy
Sometimes it can be overwhelming to speak about your pain, and bringing someone along with you—a friend or family member—can help you keep calm and also ask important questions on your behalf.
Be honest
Even if you’re not sure whether something is relevant, share it. A doctor can’t treat what they don’t know about, and small details can make a big difference in diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment Options for Chronic Pain
There are many treatments for chronic pain, but it does depend on the cause and diagnosis and the health of the individual.
Medications
Painkillers like NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or even stronger medications like opioids may be prescribed depending on the severity of your pain. It’s important to discuss the risks and benefits of any medications, especially if you need to take them for a long time.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can help reduce pain and improve mobility, especially for musculoskeletal pain. Your physical therapist helps you also improve your posture, strengthen muscles, and reduce tension.
Alternative therapies
Therapies such as Ayurveda, yoga, and acupuncture are often used alongside conventional or western treatments. These therapies can be effective in providing pain relief, but it’s important to always speak to your doctor before participating in them.
Surgical interventions
These are prescribed for severe cases such as herniated discs or joint degeneration. This is most often only considered after other treatment options have been explored.
Managing chronic pain can be a long process, but it’s definitely beneficial in the long run. Talking to your doctor about your pain as best as you can will help them determine a treatment plan that works best for you, which can include addressing both the physical and emotional impact of pain.
FAQs
How do I know if it’s acute or chronic pain?
Acute pain happens when there is a recent injury or illness and usually goes away after a short period. But chronic pain can continue for more than three months, often without a clear cause, and can be a long-term health issue.
What should I do if my chronic pain isn’t improving with treatment?
If your pain isn’t improving even after you have followed the prescribed treatment, talk to your doctor again. They help in adjusting your treatment plan or leaning into alternative therapies. You can also seek a second opinion from a pain specialist.
Can my emotional health affect my chronic pain?
Yes, most definitely—stress, anxiety, and depression can worsen chronic pain. Mental health and physical pain are closely connected, so managing emotional well-being is also important for managing chronic pain effectively.
