PATIENT LEARNINGS

Can Pain Be Treated?

Yes. Pain can be treated safely and effectively. There are many types of treatments for pain, including medication and non-drug treatments. It is important to treat pain. Unrelieved pain brings unnecessary suffering. Living with pain uses up a lot of energy that can be better used to fight illness or maintain activities of daily living. Pain may cause patients to:

• feel weak because of disruptions in activity, appetite, and sleep
• give up hope
• reject treatment programs
• feel helpless, anxious, and depressed
• think about suicide
• stop enjoying normal activities, such as work, recreation, and relations with others
  

If you are in pain, don't give up! Working with your doctor and other professionals, you can manage your pain. Sometimes pain relief can be obtained right away. In other situations, it takes time for treatment to be tailored to fit the individual and his/her unique condition.