Chronic Pain
When To Call a Doctor
Call a doctor about chronic pain if:
- Your pain has lasted more than 3 months without a clear reason.
- You are feeling down or blue or are not enjoying the activities or hobbies that you have enjoyed in the past. You may be experiencing depression, which is common with chronic pain.
- You are unable to sleep because of the pain.
- You had an illness or injury that healed, but the pain has not gone away.
- You have a family member or friend who appears to be suffering from chronic pain, and you would like information about treatment.
Watchful Waiting
Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your health professional observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. If you are able to control occasional, mild to moderate pain with exercise, healthy eating, massage, and pain relievers—such as acetaminophen or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or ASA—you may not need further treatment from a health professional. However, watchful waiting is not appropriate if your pain is severe or if persistent pain interferes with your life. If you delay treatment, the pain may get worse.
Who To See
If you have mild to moderate recurring pain that cannot be managed at home, ask your family doctor or general practitioner about treating your chronic pain. You may be referred to a:
- Pain management specialist.
- Physiatrist.
- Physiotherapist.
- Neurologist.
- Obstetrician or gynecologist (for chronic pelvic pain).
- Anesthesiologist.
- Psychiatrist, psychologist, or a licensed mental health counsellor.
- Orthopedic surgeon.
- Rheumatologist.
- Chiropractor.
Often more than one specialist will treat your chronic pain. For example, a primary physician may manage your medicines, and a physiotherapist may help you restore function through exercise or other therapies. A professional counsellor may help you with coping and depression, and a complementary medicine practitioner may provide alternative therapies such as acupuncture or yoga.
If chronic pain persists and interferes with your daily life despite treatment, you may want to seek an evaluation at a pain management clinic. A pain management clinic is a setting where you receive treatment and learn to cope with chronic pain. Treatment is usually provided by a team of health professionals who work together to address all the possible causes of your chronic pain.
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment
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| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH | Last Updated: May 28, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Nancy Greenwald, MD - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Brian D. O'Brien, MD - Internal Medicine | |
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