In many cases, chronic pain can be managed with the right and early diagnosis and treatment. When you consult a pain management doctor, it is a good idea to prepare for the consultation by writing down the questions you want to ask the doctor.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Asking your pain doctor the right questions is important to make sure you have the right information to make informed decisions about the doctor you want to be treated by and the treatment options.
You should ask you pain management doctor questions, such as –
What types of diagnostic tests will I go through?
What are my treatment options?
Are their treatment options besides medications?
Can you do any procedures that may be required or would I need to see other doctors for that?
Will any other health specialists be a part of my treatment team?
What are the next steps, if the first treatment option does not work?
Are their things that I can do to improve my condition or prevent it from worsening?
Can I take some supplements for my condition?
What are the odds that I will experience lasting pain relief with the current treatment?
Will I be able to continue my activities of daily living like before?
Are there any side effects or risks associated with the current treatment?
Questions your doctor may ask you
Your pain management doctor will first also ask you several questions during the initial medical appointment to understand your pain, underlying condition and your treatment goals.
Typical questions may include –
- Describe how your pain feels (burning, shooting etc.). Rate it on a scale of 1-10.
- What makes it feel worse or better?
- Did your pain start after an accident/event, like a fall or car crash?
- What treatments have you already undergone?
- Are you able to carry out your activities of daily living?
- Does your pain interfere with your normal life activities?
- Do you have any pre-existing medical condition, such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, etc.?
Your doctor may also order blood work, MRI, CAT scan and X-rays to make an accurate diagnosis.
Other Ways to Prepare for Your Appointment
- Make a list of critical health information your doctor should know about, like past surgeries, diseases, allergies, etc.
- List any family diseases
- Carry copies of previous imaging tests or reports to share with the doctor
- List the current medications you are taking
- Write down the history of pain – when it began; what brings some relief; etc.
- Maintain a pain diary – time of day when it hurts the most, activities that trigger pain, the intensity of the pain etc.
Keep the doctor fully informed about your pain and anything associate with it to ensure that your diagnosis and treatment plan are as effective as possible.
If you are looking for internal medicine and restorative pain management doctors in San Diego, call Pacific Medical Care at (619) 333-8114. Pacific Medical Care provides a wide range of healthcare services, and first-rate care to treat the whole patient.
