If you have been living with chronic pain and your current treatment is not providing adequate relief, you may be wondering whether it is time to see a pain management provider.
For many patients, the first step is talking with the medical provider who is already treating the condition.
Explain How Your Pain Is Affecting You
Try to give your provider specific information rather than simply saying, “I hurt.” Explain whether pain is affecting your ability to:
- Sleep
- Work
- Walk or stand
- Exercise
- Drive
- Perform household activities
- Care for family members
- Participate in hobbies
- Complete normal daily tasks
Describe How Long the Pain Has Been Present
Your provider will likely want to know when the pain started and whether it has changed. Be prepared to describe:
- When symptoms began
- Whether the pain is constant or intermittent
- What makes it better or worse
- Whether symptoms have progressed
- Whether numbness, tingling, weakness, or other symptoms are present
Review What You Have Already Tried
Your provider may want to know which treatments you have already attempted. Depending on your condition, these could include medications, physical therapy, injections, surgery, exercise programs, specialist evaluation, or other treatments.
Knowing what has and has not helped can be important when determining the next step.
Ask Whether Pain Management Is Appropriate
You can simply ask: “Do you think a referral to pain management would be appropriate for my condition?”
Your medical provider can determine whether a pain management referral makes sense based on your diagnosis, medical history, current symptoms, and previous treatment. A referral does not necessarily mean a particular medication or treatment will be recommended. The pain management provider still needs to independently evaluate the patient.
What Information May Be Included With a Referral?
Depending on the referring office and the patient’s condition, the referral may include:
- The chronic pain diagnosis
- Recent office notes
- Medication history
- Relevant imaging
- Specialist records
- Surgical history
- Previous treatment information
Why Restore Requires a Referral
Restore Pain Center focuses on patients with established chronic pain conditions. Requiring a referral helps ensure there is documented medical history supporting the patient’s diagnosis and allows chronic pain care to remain connected with the patient’s broader healthcare team.
What Happens After Your Referral?
Once your provider has determined that a referral is appropriate, follow the instructions from the referring office and Restore Pain Center for sending records and arranging your visit.
If chronic pain continues to interfere with your daily life, discuss your symptoms with your current healthcare provider and ask whether a pain management referral may be appropriate.