A Valuable Ally: Your Doctor

Even if you have had a chronic pain condition for years, it is still good to get a check-up every now and then. Your doctor is one of your best resources in the fight against chronic pain. In fact, here are four good reasons to see your chronic pain doctor regularly.

Before you head out for your next doctor's appointment, make a plan by asking yourself a few questions. Has anything about your condition changed since your last visit? Are your medications still effective? Are you having breakthrough pain? Take a few minutes to make notes in your pain journal, and be sure to bring them with you.

Regular check-ups with your pain doctor can make the difference between simply living with chronic pain, and actually coping with chronic pain.