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 management:

1. What are my options for pain relief?
   
   
2. Which medications can help treat my pain?
   
   
3. When over-the-counter drugs don’t help, which prescription drugs can?
   
   
4. Which allied health professions and treatments can help alleviate my pain?
   
   
5. Which modalities can help treat my pain?
   
   
6. Which types of heat therapy, cold therapy or other modalities can I safely use at home?
   
   
7. How can I tell which complementary and alternative treatments are legitimate and which are useless or harmful? Do you recommend any alternative treatments for me?
   
   
8. What is a pain specialist? Should I see one to help reduce my pain?
   
   
9. Where can I find a good pain specialist?
   
   
10. What should I look for in a sound pain management program?