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Curious what the questions doctors ask when attempting to diagnose chronic pain are? It requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient's medical history, symptoms and lifestyle. When going in to see a doctor, it would help to know what they may be interested in learning before seeing them. PatientsLikeMe has put together a list of the most common questions they ask. We hope this is a helpful guide for everyone suffering from chronic pain.
Physical Symptoms
Onset and Duration
- When did the pain first start?
- Has it been a gradual or sudden onset?
- How long have you been experiencing this pain?
Location and Radiation
- Can you point to the specific location(s) where you feel pain?
- Does the pain radiate to other areas of your body?
Quality of Pain
- How would you describe the pain? (e.g., sharp, dull, burning, throbbing)
- Does it feel like stabbing, aching, or pulsating?
Intensity and Severity
- On a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain imaginable, how would you rate the intensity of your pain?
- How does the pain affect your daily activities and quality of life?
Pain Triggers and Alleviating Factors
- Are there specific activities or movements that trigger or worsen the pain?
- Have you noticed any factors or interventions that relieve or improve the pain?
Temporal Pattern
- Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?
- Are there specific times of the day when the pain is more or less severe?
Associated Symptoms
- Are there any other symptoms accompanying the pain? (e.g., numbness, tingling, weakness)
- Have you noticed any changes in bowel or bladder habits?
Patient History
Medical History
- Do you have any pre-existing medical conditions or previous injuries that may be related to the pain?
- Have you undergone any surgeries or medical treatments in the past?
Medications and Treatments
- Are you currently taking any medications for pain relief?
- Have you tried any treatments or interventions for your pain, and if so, did they provide any relief?
Psychosocial Factors
- How is the pain affecting your emotional well-being and daily functioning?
- Are there any significant life stressors or changes that coincide with the onset of your pain?
Sleep Patterns
- How is your sleep affected by the pain?
- Do you experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to pain?
Family History
- Is there a family history of chronic pain conditions or related disorders?
- Are there any genetic factors that may contribute to your pain?
These questions provide a starting point for doctors to gather information. From there, they can formulate an understanding of your chronic pain. The responses help guide further investigations, examinations, and the development of an individualized treatment plan. It is important to communicate openly and honestly with healthcare providers. That alone can ensure an accurate diagnosis.
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