Back pain manifests in various ways. When you go to a doctor for pain relief, you must accurately describe your pain. This information will help them make a thorough diagnosis and craft the appropriate treatment plan.
The more data you can give your doctor, the more effective your treatment will likely be. Below are some things to take note of before you visit a clinic.
Intensity of Your Pain
One of the most common questions in hospitals and clinics is, “how would you rate your pain?” Your answer will give your doctor a general idea of your pain. They will ask you to grade your backache from 0 to 10: no pain is 0, moderate is 5, and unbearable pain is 10.
Sometimes, a physician will use a face chart instead of a numeric scale to help you determine your pain level. Doctors will also observe your facial expressions, posture, and overall behavior.
Location of Pain
The back is a large, complex structure with many parts. Is the pain in your upper, middle, or lower back? Is it on one side, both sides, or along the midline?
You should also note if the back pain only occurs at a single spot or if it spreads out. Radiating pain may begin from one area or trigger point, then fan out to nearby parts of the body. Your pain specialist may use a body diagram to track changes in the location of your pain over time.
When You Feel Pain
The timing of your back pain is another essential piece of information. Here are some questions your doctor may ask:
- Did your pain suddenly appear, or did it gradually develop over time?
- Is the pain triggered or exacerbated by a specific activity?
- How frequently does the pain occur?
Your back pain may also be intermittent, meaning it comes and goes at irregular times. Take note if you feel your back pain in the morning or at night. If the pain is constant, recall how long you have been feeling it. Pain is considered chronic when it has been ongoing for more than six months.
Also, inform your doctor if you had any recent illnesses or if you underwent surgery. These can help them pinpoint what is causing your back pain sometimes.
How Back Pain Affects Your Daily Life
One area of concern for pain management is your activity level and quality of life. Are there tasks or activities you can no longer perform because of back pain? Your answer will give your pain doctor an idea of the movements that cause or worsen your back pain.
Sometimes, back pain eases when you are in a certain position. Your doctor will ask if this applies to you.
They will also want to know what you do to relieve your symptoms. Inform them of your at-home pain management methods, such as cold or heat packs.
Finding The Words To Describe Back Pain
Putting your feelings into words may be a struggle at times. However challenging it may be, you must learn how to communicate your pain to your doctor. Here are some words you can use to describe your back pain:
- Sharp, shooting
- Dull, aching
- Stabbing
- Throbbing
- Burning
- Cramping
- Excruciating or punishing
- Exhausting or tiring
- Gnawing
- Heavy
- Tender
Back Pain Specialists in Blue Springs, MO
Describing your back pain correctly can help you find out the root cause of your discomfort. This way, you’ll get the most appropriate interventions for pain relief. Our licensed specialists at Core Medical Center can help you describe the pain you are feeling and craft the necessary treatment plan.
Our team is composed of highly skilled experts in skeletal, neurologic, and soft tissue conditions. You can visit our clinic in Blue Springs, MO for your health concerns. Contact us at (816) 427-0201 . You may also fill out our online appointment request form to schedule your appointment. We look forward to bringing you long-term pain relief!
