Very Important Qualities to Look for In
Your Provider
Make sure you find a
healthcare provider who you feel
comfortable with who also:
- Knows about chronic pain and how to treat it.
- Believes you are in pain.
- Listens carefully to your concerns.
- Asks you questions and performs diagnostic tests to help identify the
problem.
- Encourages you to ask questions.
- Is comfortable when you disagree.
- Is willing to speak to your family or friends if you are not feeling well.
- Works with you to develop a pain management plan that helps reduce
your pain and sets realistic goals in order for you to regain important
activities and skills.
- Provides information about risks and benefits of each pain treatment
that is recommended.
- Tells you when he or she does not know something about
your pain problem or treatment.
Although your family doctor is trained to know about a wide range
of diseases, he/she may not have had much training in treating pain.
If your
current treatment is not working or if your pain is getting worse, it’s probably time to see a pain
specialist.
Pain specialists may include, but are
not limited to:
- Anesthesiologists/Interventional Pain Specialists
- Neurologists
- Orthopedic Surgeons
- Neurosurgeons
- Osteopaths
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