Working well with your healthcare team

A good relationship with your GP can make a big difference to the success of your treatment and to your general wellbeing. If you can talk honestly and openly, your GP will be better able to prescribe a programme of treatment and care that's best for you.

Important information to give your healthcare team

If you think that you have chronic pain, visit your doctor. Be prepared to clearly describe the pain you feel and which parts of your body are affected. It may also help if you let your doctor know:

What the pain feels like
When the pain began
If the pain feels as though it is radiating or spreading
How severe the pain is
How often the pain occurs, e.g. at certain times of the day or after certain activities
Whether the intensity of pain varies over time

You should also mention if the pain affects your work, sleep, social or private life. By describing your symptoms clearly and fully and the impact these have on your life your doctor will be better positioned to make the correct diagnosis and discuss management options with you.

Questions you might be asked

Here are some questions your GP or pain specialist may ask you to help him or her decide how to manage your chronic pain:

What does your pain feel like?
What parts of the body does it affect?
How long have you had this pain?
Has it changed over time?
Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?
If your pain is intermittent how often does it bother you?
Have you had any injuries lately that could be causing your pain?
Have you been taking painkillers to help with your symptoms? If so, which ones? Paracetamol? Aspirin? Ibuprofen?
Do these medicines help?
How often do you take them?
Do you get any side effects from any of these medicines?
Do you get tired?
How are you sleeping?
Are you able to go out and enjoy doing things?
Are you still working?
Are you anxious about your pain?

Questions you might want to ask

Often, the time you spend with your healthcare professional is limited. It may be a good idea to think about the questions you would like to ask them before your appointment and write them down. Take these along with you to your appointment.

It is important that you can leave your appointment feeling satisfied that you were able to ask and have answered all of the questions appropriate to that healthcare professional. Knowing what you want to find out before you go in can help achieve this.

Questions you may want to ask include:

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me cope with my symptoms?
Why have you chosen this particular treatment for my condition?
Can I use other medicines while I am taking this treatment?
How long will it typically take to see results?
How will my progress on this treatment be monitored?
Will I need any tests while I'm on this treatment?
What will happen if I stop using this treatment?
What are the potential side effects of any treatment you are prescribing?
What other treatments are available?
Can I take this medication if I am trying to get pregnant or father a child?
Who can I speak to if I have any questions after this visit?
Are there any activities or situations I should avoid?
When should I come back to see the doctor?
Where can I get more information about pain? There may be websites your doctor considers useful or patient support groups.

It's important not to think you are wasting your doctor's time. Your health is important, so if you do feel that you need more time with the doctor you could always ask whether a double appointment is available.

And if you are not sure about your diagnosis and/or the treatment prescribed and think a second opinion might help, don't be worried about asking for one. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a specialist or another GP in the practice. A second opinion can help ensure that your treatment and care are successful.

Role of the pharmacist

If you and your doctor decide you need some medicines for your pain, you may find that the healthcare professional you have the most contact with is your local pharmacist.

It's good to remember that your pharmacist is more than just someone who sells you your medication. A pharmacist is an expert on how medicines work and interact, and can advise you about any safety concerns - especially important if you're taking more than one medicine at the same time.

As part of the service to make sure your medicines are right for you and that you're getting the best from them, your pharmacist can offer you a free Medicines Use Review (MUR). Find out more about the Medicines Use Review (PDF)

Navigate the NHS

Understanding how the NHS works - and what NHS services are available in your area - can help you to get the most out of your interactions with healthcare professionals. This will enable you to manage your pain better and live your life in the best possible health.

See our guide to finding your way around the NHS (PDF)

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