Though it might seem easy to do, describing the type of pain and for how
long its occurred, can often be an easy task until you reach the doctor's office.
The Importance of Describing Your Pain
Everyone experiences pain differently, and the most accurate way to find
a treatment plan is through proper communication. Though it might seem
easy to do, describing the type of pain and for how long it’s occurred
can often be an easy task until you reach the doctor's office. Many
find themselves unsure of how to explain what they are experiencing.
However, with a few tips, you can more accurately describe what you feel,
so that you and your healthcare provider can find a possible cause and
work to create a treatment plan. Here’s what you should know:
Common Questions to Consider
Whether you’re living with acute (pain due to a recent injury) or
chronic prolonged-lasting pain, the questions your doctor asks you will
often be the same. Some common questions you might be asked include:
- How long you’ve been experiencing your pain
- Where the pain is occurring and if it’s localized or spreading
- If the pain is constant
- How your illness impacts your daily life
Does a specific activity trigger your pain? Is it severe enough that you
can’t talk or move? These are all things that help your doctor better
understand the cause of your pain. Remember to be detailed and specific
as possible. Use keywords such as aching, cramping, sharp, or throbbing
to describe how the pain feels.
Your doctor might also ask you to express your pain on a scale of one to
10. Though this varies, a pain level of ten will often leave you unable
to talk. If you are unsure where you fall on the scale, ask your doctor
for more clarification.
Keeping a Pain Diary
One way to better prepare for your appointment ahead is to consider starting
a pain diary. When pain sets in, write down the time of day, the location
of the pain, and how it feels. Doing so can help you find common triggers
and causes. Remember to include words such as splitting, tender, or tiring,
and be sure to add how long it lasts for.
If pain is impeding your daily life,
Powder River Orthopedics & Spine (PROS) is here to help in Gillette, Wyoming. We can evaluate your options
so you can rest assured that you get the best possible outcome and are
back to a happy and active life in no time.
Call the PROS at 307.686.1413 or visit
www.cchwyo.org/PROS to learn more.