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Pain Management Center

T-A-R-G-E-T Your Chronic Pain

Talk to your physician about pain.

• Where is your pain located?
• Is there something different about this pain?
• What does it feel like (e.g., sharp, dull, burning)?
• When does it begin? How long does it last?
• What is your level of pain most of the time (using a pain scale)?
• When is your pain the worst/best? What makes it better or worse?
• What is your pain level when you rest? During movement or activity?

Ask about treatments.

• What treatments have you tried previously to relieve the pain?
• What medications are you currently taking (e.g., prescriptions, over-the-counter)? At what dose?
• What medications have you tried in the past that have not worked or had side effects?
• What non-drug therapies do you use (e.g., acupuncture, heat/cold, massage)?
• How well do these therapies work?

Rate your pain treatment options by weighing the risks and benefits.

• Do you expect a reduction in pain or complete pain relief?
• Are you wanting and willing to become more active as pain is reduced?
• Have you had negative experiences with previous pain treatments?
• Have you had past allergic reactions to medications used in treating pain?
• Do you have difficulty with your memory or ability to keep a routine schedule?
• Have you had difficulties following medical orders in the past?
• Do you have a personal or family history of substance abuse or mental illness?
• Do family members or friends with a history of substance abuse, criminal background or mental illness have easy access to your home, workplace or secured locations?

Get details about breakthrough pain.

• Do you have breakthrough pain (BTP)—sudden, brief periods of increased pain?
• How often do you experience BTP on an average day?
• Do certain activities cause the pain or does it happen unexpectedly?
• Have you been treated for BTP? With which medicines?

Explain any limitation to your daily activities.

• What daily activities do you avoid because of your pain (e.g., hobbies, shopping, and exercise)?
• Does pain interfere with your ability to sleep/walk/work/play?
• How does pain affect your mood and relationships?

Talk about side effects

• Are you experiencing side effects from pain medicines (e.g., constipation, drowsiness, nausea, itching)?
• What are you doing to decrease or prevent these side effects?
• Have you had past allergic reactions to medications used in treating side effects?

Additional Pain Management Links

Why is Managing Pain so Important?

FREE Pain Assessment Toolkit