Preparing questions in advance can help patients have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following questions about pain assessment:

1. Will a pain assessment reveal the cause of my pain?
   
   
2. Do I need to bring my medical history or any other records, or do anything else to prepare for my pain assessment? Do I need to wear certain clothes?
   
   
3. What tests are available to help determine the cause of my pain?
   
   
4. Will nerve conduction studies or other assessments cause me pain or discomfort?
   
   
5. What can sensory testing reveal about my condition?
   
   
6. Will any of my tests require hospitalization?
   
   
7. After the cause of my pain is determined, what treatments are available?
   
   
8. What happens if I am experiencing pain but damage cannot be detected on an x-ray, MRI or other imaging test?
   
   
9. What happens if the cause of my pain cannot be determined?
   
   
10. Who is qualified to conduct my pain assessment?
    
    
11. Can a pain assessment help monitor my condition over time?