When do I need to see my doctor about persistent pain?
When do I need to see my doctor about persistent pain?
It’s not easy dealing with
persistent pain
. Facing uncertainty about how you’ll feel each day can be very frustrating. It makes planning your everyday activities, work, social life and family commitments challenging. Sometimes the pain and your emotions can get on top of you.
If persistent pain is making you feel overwhelmed, there are things you and your doctor can do to help you get back on track. Make sure you talk to your doctor if:
You want to learn more about pain and take control.
You’re not coping with your pain.
You’re struggling at work because of pain.
You’ve decided to stop taking your regular medication for pain.
You’ve noticed significant changes to your symptoms.
How can I take control of my pain?
If you want to learn more about pain and how to manage it effectively, talk with your doctor about
pain management
programs
External Link
.
Pain management programs are designed to specifically address the range of factors affecting your recovery including:
physical factors
any psychological issues, including your
mood
, stress or poor
sleep
social factors, such as how you manage your home and social activities, as well as your safe return to work.
By attending a pain management program you’ll learn from health professionals such as doctors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses and psychologists. These professionals provide information and advice on how you can best manage your pain, with the fewest side effects, to help you increase your activity levels and achieve your goals.
Talk with your doctor about whether a pain management program would be helpful for you.
See
treating persistent pain
for some tips to help manage your pain.
What can I do if I’m not coping with my pain?
It’s important to talk with your doctor if you feel like you’re not coping, especially if:
you’re taking more of your medications than your doctor prescribed
you’re mixing your prescribed medications with other drugs, including
alcohol
you’re drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
you’re having problems sleeping due to pain
you’ve been feeling very low for more than a few weeks
you’ve been missing days of work because of pain
you’re more worried, frustrated and irritable than usual.
Your doctor understands that living with persistent pain is difficult. They can work with you to find the right pathway that will help you. They can also refer you to other health professionals, including specialists in physical and mental health.
If you are in need of immediate help, call:
Lifeline
External Link
Tel.
13 11 14
for free, anonymous and confidential crisis support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Beyond Blue Support
Service
External Link
Tel.
1300 22 4636
, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What can I do if I’m struggling at work because of pain?
If you’re not coping with your work responsibilities, or just getting to and from work has become difficult because of your pain, discuss this with your doctor.
Evidence shows that work is good for you. So even though you may be in pain, doing what you can at work will be of benefit to your overall health and wellbeing.
It may be possible for adjustments to be made to your work to enable you to cope. Your doctor can also work with other healthcare professionals, such as specially trained physiotherapists, occupational therapists and specialist doctors called occupational physicians, to help you to remain at work.
Can I stop taking my regular pain medication?
Talk openly with your doctor if you’re thinking of stopping any medications for pain. Some medications need to be reduced gradually to avoid potential unpleasant side effects. Your doctor will advise you on this.
My symptoms have changed – what should I do?
Be aware of other health changes that may occur with your health condition. They can be present for a variety of reasons, many of which may be unrelated to your pain.
If you’ve been experiencing any of the following symptoms, talk with your doctor:
sudden increase in the intensity of your current pain
sudden loss of muscle power in your legs or arms
sudden change in your ability to empty or control your bladder or bowel
a lack of sensation anywhere in your body
sudden onset of pins and needles or numbness in either hands or feet
sudden onset of poor balance or a lack of coordination
unexplained and ongoing loss of weight
sweats at night time
moderate or severe pain at night or at rest
onset of new pain in your abdomen, chest or head, which does not go away.
These ‘red flags’ are clues for your doctor that something has changed.
Changes in pain and other signs and symptoms should be treated with caution and investigated further, particularly in people who have experienced:
malignant cancer
long-term steroid use (not asthma puffers)
a recent severe infection
physical trauma that could have resulted in a fracture.
Where to get help
Your
GP
External Link
(doctor)
Physiotherapist
Exercise physiologist
Psychologist
Occupational therapist
Musculoskeletal Health
Australia
External Link
. B.A.M Helpline Tel.
1800 263 265
Medicines
Line
External Link
Tel.
1300 633 424
Choosing Wisely
Australia
External Link
painHEALTH
External Link
Pain
Australia
External Link
Chronic Pain
Australia
External Link
Work
Assist
External Link
Job
Access
External Link
Transport Accident Commission
(TAC)
External Link
Worksafe
External Link
.