Chronic Pain:Pain Tests, Doctors, and Attitudes
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What You Need to Know
Video: Perspectives on Chronic Pain
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Chronic Pain Is RealDoctors don't recognize chronic pain
( 1:05 ) -
Acute vs. Chronic PainThey need different treatment
( :46 ) -
Don't Be StoicTell your doctor how it really feels
( 1:52 ) -
Be a Good PatientHow to get the best care
( 1:24 )
Why It's Important to Keep a Pain Diary
Making sense of your symptoms
Your doctor needs detailed information to find the causes and triggers of your chronic pain and build an effective treatment plan. When she asks how you have been in the past month or two, you need to provide specifics. One technique pain doctors strongly recommend is writing a record of your pain experience. Learn how to keep a pain diary so that you can get the relief you need... Read More
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Expert Jennifer Jaff Explains the Tricks to Getting Health Insurance and Affordable Care for Chronic Pain
Jennifer Jaff, Esq.
Executive director of Advocacy for Patients With Chronic Illness
Q: If I don't have insurance through an employer or spouse, what kind should I look for?
A: Number one, look for a high-risk pool—insurance that is designed for people with chronic illnesses. Find out if your state has one by calling your state insurance department. Some have good coverage and are reasonably priced, some have lousy coverage and are incredibly expensive. Ask a lot of questions and look into it carefully to make sure it's going to meet your needs. Read More
A: Number one, look for a high-risk pool—insurance that is designed for people with chronic illnesses. Find out if your state has one by calling your state insurance department. Some have good coverage and are reasonably priced, some have lousy coverage and are incredibly expensive. Ask a lot of questions and look into it carefully to make sure it's going to meet your needs. Read More
How to Describe Your Pain to Doctors
Help them understand your pain so you get the treatment you need
It can be surprisingly difficult to describe how pain feels. Each of us experiences our pain differently, making it highly subjective—and that makes it a challenge for a doctor to evaluate. Many doctors use a 0-to-10 pain scale. A 0 rating means you have nothing to discuss, 10 is off-the-charts, I-can't-stand-it agony. This can be a good starting point. But it has its limitations. One person's 8 can be another person's 4... Read More
