When to See a Doctor About My Chronic Pain?

Managing chronic pain is difficult. It can be incredibly irritating to not know how you will feel each day. It makes planning your daily activities, employment, social life, and family obligations difficult. Sometimes, the pain and emotions overwhelm you.

If continuous pain is causing you to feel overwhelmed, there are steps you and your doctor may take to get you back on track. Check with your pain doctor if:

• You want to understand more about pain and gain control
• You are not coping with your pain
• You are suffering at work due to pain
• You've chosen to quit taking your daily pain medication
• You have observed considerable modifications in your symptoms.

How Can I Gain Control of My Pain?

If you want to learn more about pain and how to manage it properly, speak with your doctor about pain management programs. These programs are available in a variety of settings, including online.

Pain management programs are developed to adequately address the variety of factors influencing your rehabilitation, including:

• Physical characteristics;
• Any psychological problems, such as low mood, stress, or insufficient sleep;
• Social aspects include how you handle your home and social activities and your successful return to work.?

Attending a pain treatment program will expose you to health specialists such as doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, and psychologists. These professionals provide information and guidance on how to manage your pain with the fewest side effects possible, allowing you to raise your activity levels and achieve your goals.

Consult your doctor about if a pain management program may be beneficial for you.

What Can I Do If I Can't Cope With My Pain?

Consult your doctor if you are experiencing difficulty coping, especially if:

• You are taking more medications than prescribed;
• You are combining your prescription prescriptions with additional substances, especially alcohol;
• You are consuming excessive amounts of booze;
• You're having trouble sleeping because of pain;
• You've been feeling down for several weeks;
• You've missed days of work due to pain.

Your doctor understands how tough it is to live with continuous pain. They can assist you in determining the best course of action. They can also refer you to other healthcare providers, such as physical and mental health specialists.

What Can I Do If I'm Struggling at Work Due to Pain?

If you struggle to keep up with your work responsibilities, or if simply getting to and from work has become difficult due to discomfort, speak with your doctor. Work appears to be beneficial to one's health. So, even if you're in pain, doing your best at work will improve your overall health and well-being.

It may be possible to make adjustments to your employment to help you cope. Your doctor can also collaborate with other healthcare experts, such as specifically trained physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and specialist doctors known as occupational physicians, to help you stay at work.

Can I Quit Taking My Regular Painkillers?

If you are considering discontinuing any pain medications, discuss it openly with your doctor. Some drugs must be lowered gradually to avoid undesirable side effects. Your doctor will give you advice on this.

My Symptoms Have Changed - What Should I Do?

Be mindful of any other health changes that may arise as a result of your current situation. They can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are unrelated to your discomfort.

If you've been having any of the following symptoms, consult your doctor:

• Your current pain has suddenly become more intense
• A sudden loss of muscle power in your legs or arms
• A sudden alteration in your ability to empty or control your bladder or bowel
• A loss of sensation throughout your body
• Pins and needles or numbness in the hands or feet appear suddenly
• Sudden onset of impaired balance or coordination
• Unexplained and continuous weight loss
• Sweating at night
• Moderate to severe pain at night or at rest
• The onset of a fresh pain in your abdominal, chest, or head that persists