Does the Doctor Always Know Best?

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In today’s information age, patients have a wealth of resources to turn to for guidance on a variety of medical treatments. An informed patient working with a trusted physician who has experience treating chronic pain syndrome can be a winning formula.

If you are suffering from chronic pain, the most important first step to recovery is selecting the right physician. The ideal practitioner should have expertise in the issues you are dealing with and provide ample time to discuss your unique situation. A doctor who really listens can help with the complexities associated with chronic pain. It’s ideal to strike a balance in a patient/practitioner relationship. Just as it doesn’t make sense for a patient to dictate treatment, doctors should also listen to the patient.

That’s where you come in. If you’re suffering with chronic pain, you can ask your doctor the following questions to take a more active and informed role in your treatment:

• What are the drug classifications of the medications you are prescribing?
• Will these medications lead to physical dependency? If so, what are the signs?
• Is there potential for addiction to these medications? If so, what are the signs?
• Are there withdrawal symptoms to consider if I stop taking the medications?
• How long will I be on the medications?
• What modalities should I be incorporating in addition to my prescribed medication?
• Do I need rest or activity?
• Would I benefit from ice or heat?

If your doctor prescribes pain medications after a surgery or for a chronic pain issue and the plan is to discontinue the opiates over time, you need to know that upfront. Ask your doctor about the plan for weaning you off the medications. This should be well thought out in advance. While things may change and the plan may be altered, you should know there is a plan.

If a doctor tells you, “there are no other options” or “this is the best it will get,” please get another opinion. It is vital that patients and professionals alike know that there is help, hope and a better way.