Common Questions about Chronic Pain Management

Dimitris Papadopoulos MD Fellow Of Interventional Pain Practice (FIPP)

Updated 18 June, 2011

By e-algos staff

Should I take analgesics only when I feel a lot of pain?

No.  Do not wait until the pain becomes unbearable before you take analgesics. Pain is better controlled when it is still mild. You should take regularly the drugs your Pain Physician has prescribed to you and always according to his/her instructions, irrespective of whether you are in pain or not.

2) If I take opioids to treat my chronic pain, do I run the risk of getting addicted to narcotic substances?

Not necessarily, on the condition that follow exactly the instructions of your therapist physician. The predisposition of an individual for getting addicted to narcotic substances depends, partially, to his/her addiction history. Addiction is less likely if you have not presented such a disorder in the past. Ask your specialist Pain Physician about any thoughts and concerns you may have on the specific issue.

3) Why do I have to increase the drug dose in order to have the same analgesic result in the long run?

This happens when you have developed tolerance to a specific medication. Tolerance is a normal reaction of the human organism to narcotic agents (opioids) and occurs when the initial dose of a drug stops being equally effective with the lapse of time. Increasing the dose of the same medication or changing it with another one of the same category, often resolves the problem Having developed tolerance to a certain agent does not mean that you have gotten addicted to it.

4) Should I inform my Family Doctor about the fact that I am in pain?

Certainly. It is very important that first your Family Doctor gets to evaluate your pain in order to treat it or -in case of a chronic painful condition- refer you to a specialist Pain Physician.

5) There are some days or some moments when my acute pain is more intense. What can I do?

You may have observed that your pain is aggravated more than usual in certain cases (e.g. at the end of a tiring day or following specific activities). If so, you can take an analgesic before this specific time or activity in order to prevent the onset of pain.  Make sure that you always follow your physician’s instructions.

6) How can I explain to my doctor the degree of my pain?

The degree of pain is evaluated by the patient him/herself, by scoring pain (usually verbally) from 0 to 10. (0= no pain, 10= unbearable pain). The patient also fills in a questionnaire evaluating his/her quality of life in relation to chronic pain. These are tools to help the physician perceive the degree of your problem.

7) What can my friends and family do to help me?

When close relatives and friends understand the problem and offer psychological support, a feeling of security and optimism is created in patients so that they can endure difficulties, believe strongly in the positive outcome of their medical condition and struggle to improve the quality of life, both theirs and their family’s.

Will I suffer from pain for the rest of my life?

Not necessarily. The pathway of pain is tough and needs patience. However, many patients suffering from chronic pain live normally having a good quality of life by following the proper therapy and receiving the right psychological support.