If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic pain, you understand how it may disrupt your daily routine. Even worse, pain management is a difficult endeavor. The pain management specialists at West Orange Pain Center of NJ employ several approaches and tools to assist patients in getting to the bottom of their pain so they can enjoy improved life quality. Nevertheless, with pain management, one of the most effective methods to assist your provider help you is to learn how to describe your pain appropriately. Continue reading to discover five ways to enhance how well you articulate your pain:
Tip #1: Keep A Pain Diary
Prior to meeting with a pain management doctor, document your agony in a notebook. This documentation will help you articulate your pain and aid your provider in spotting triggers and restricting flare-ups. Some key factors to keep track of include:
- Daily routines
- Supplements and medications
- Pain severity
- Associated symptoms
- Drinks and food
- Thoughts and emotions during, before, and following pain flare-ups
Tip #2: Concentrate On The Sensation
Providing a detailed description of the pain you are experiencing is crucial in assisting your doctor in making a precise diagnosis.
It is natural to want to distract yourself when you are in pain. However, it is critical to be present and focused on the sensation so you can explain it in full.
The following are some examples of common pain expressions:
- Sharp
- Shooting
- Burning
- Aching
- Stabbing
- Throbbing
- Radiating
- Dull
- Cramping
Tip #3: Be Aware Of The Pain Scale
Your provider must be aware of the severity of your pain and the level of difficulty you are experiencing. A pain scale is a useful tool for determining your pain perception in a range of 0 to 10. Consider your discomfort and see if you can score it on the following scale:
- 1-3: Pain that is mild but perceptible and possibly distracting
- 4–6: Moderate to moderately severe pain that interferes with your regular activities
- 7–10: Excruciating, incapacitating pain that stops you from leading a regular life
Tip #4: Explain Your Limitations
How does pain refrain from your regular activities? Pain might keep you from lifting objects or bending in a specific direction. You might notice that you cannot bend or stretch particular portions of your body or that using your hands for tasks like typing is difficult.
Tip #5: Monitor When Things Improve Or Deteriorate
When your pain improves is just as vital as when you have a debilitating episode. Is your discomfort worse whenever you first get up in the morning? Is it worse or better after eating particular foods or using specific medications? Your pain management specialist uses this information to establish an accurate diagnosis and establish the ideal care option.
Do not continue living with pain! Dr. Ira Siegel and his staff at Pain Center of NJ recognize the impact of pain. For this reason, from your first consultation to your final therapy, the pain management specialists offer compassionate care. Employing interventional pain management techniques, your doctor will address your pain concern at its source. Arrange an appointment today over the phone or request online to explore your options.
