Introduction
Managing chronic pain can be a challenging process, and forming a strong relationship with your pain management doctor is essential for successful treatment. However, certain phrases and words can harm this relationship and impede progress towards pain relief. In this article, we will explore what not to say to your pain management doctor and why these phrases should be avoided in order to achieve the best possible care.
10 Things You Should Never Say to Your Pain Management Doctor
1. “I just need more medication.”
2. “I don’t need physical therapy, it doesn’t work for me.”
3. “I’m not willing to make any lifestyle changes.”
4. “I’ve already tried that and it didn’t work.”
5. “I looked it up on Google and think I know what will help.”
6. “I’m not going to try any more treatments.”
7. “I don’t want to see a therapist or psychologist.”
8. “I only have pain when I want to have pain.”
9. “I need my medication increased because my friend/family member is taking a higher dose.”
10. “I need my medication because I’m stressed out.”
These phrases can harm the doctor-patient relationship as they show a lack of trust in the doctor’s expertise and a resistance to working together towards pain management.
The Top 5 Phrases to Avoid Saying to Your Pain Management Specialist
1. “I think I need an even stronger medication.”
2. “I don’t want to try alternative treatments like acupuncture or physical therapy.”
3. “I don’t need to see a specialist for my condition.”
4. “I need my medication to get high.”
5. “I don’t think I need to follow the recommended treatment plan.”
These phrases can have negative impacts on treatment as they suggest a lack of open-mindedness towards alternative treatments and a lack of motivation to comply with the doctor’s recommendations.
Why Certain Words Should Never Be Used with Your Pain Management Doctor
Patients with chronic pain may use certain words that can have emotional impacts on doctors, such as “addict”, “malingering”, and “drug seeker”. These words suggest that the patient is not genuinely experiencing pain and seeking treatment, but rather seeking drugs for recreational use. This can severely decrease the doctor’s trust in the patient, leading to suboptimal treatment. It is essential to avoid using these words and instead communicate openly and honestly with your doctor about your pain and your needs.
A Guide to Communicating Effectively with Your Pain Management Physician
Effective communication is key to any successful relationship, and the doctor-patient relationship is no exception. Here are some tips for better communication with your pain management doctor:
- Listen actively and respectfully to your doctor’s advice and recommendations.
- Be honest about your pain levels, medication use, and treatment compliance.
- Be open to trying alternative treatments like acupuncture, physical therapy, and counseling.
- Ask questions about your condition and treatment plan.
- Provide feedback to your doctor about what is and isn’t working for you.
By following these guidelines, you can form a strong, trusting relationship with your doctor and work towards better pain management together.
From the Mouths of Patients: The Worst Things They’ve Said to Their Pain Management Doctor
Real-life examples of poor communication include statements such as, “I don’t trust you,” “I’m only here for the medication,” and “It’s your job to fix me.” These statements show a lack of respect and trust in the doctor’s abilities, hindering the potential for successful treatment. By learning from the experiences of others, we can strive to improve our communication with our own doctors and work towards better pain management.
Conclusion
By avoiding certain phrases and words, working towards better communication, and respecting your doctor’s expertise, you can form a strong relationship with your pain management physician and work towards successful pain management. Remember that the doctor-patient relationship is a partnership, and by working together, you can achieve the best possible care for your chronic pain.
