In the United States, pain is the number one reason that people seek medical treatment. Many people still suffer from pain, despite all the knowledge we have about it. Because there is hope. “road blocks”Effective treatment is possible. These can be derived from both healthcare professionals and patients.

Although controlling pain is not something that has been considered a priority in medicine, recent years have seen great progress by the healthcare industry to address this problem. “the fifth vital sign.”People seeking treatment can still find healthcare professionals who are not serious about pain or do not know how pain management should be done. This could lead to ineffective treatment.

“It’s important that people with pain find a healthcare professional who understands their needs and is willing to work together to determine what treatment option works best,”Penney Cowan is the founder of American Chronic Pain Association. “With the right care and direction, you can live a full life.”

The people who suffer from pain are often the ones that can make it difficult to get adequate pain relief. Fears of side effects that can be associated with prescription pain medications may cause some people to avoid taking pain relievers. This is why it is so important to talk with your physician. A person’s attitude toward pain and suffering may also play a part. One example is the belief that “good patients”Don’t be discouraged, because pain is inevitable.

It is important to remember that pain shouldn’t be ignored or dismissed. To help people in pain overcome their pain and achieve effective pain management, here are some steps:

* Don’t suffer in silence: report your pain to your healthcare professional.

* Stay involved in your pain management plan: it may take a few adjustments before you are comfortable with your treatment.

* Educate yourself: you will better understand your pain and what can be done to relieve it.

* Learn how to better communicate with your healthcare professional: this may mean keeping a pain diary to illustrate the details of your pain – where it hurts, pain intensity, and what time of day it is worst.

* Don’t settle for inadequate treatment: if your health care provider isn’t successfully treating your pain, ask to be referred to a medical professional who can.

The best resource for people who are living with pain is www.partnersagainstpain.comThe site is at. You will find a variety of information, including links to education and advocacy groups, on the site. Purdue Pharma L.P. provides a national education program called Partners Against Pain.