When To Talk to Your Doctor About Pain

By Dr. Ro Mahajan, MD

Pain can be frustrating and debilitating. Knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial.

While some pain may resolve on its own, other cases require professional evaluation to prevent further injury and ensure proper treatment and healing.

In this article, you’ll discover the five signs that you should consider consulting a doctor, how to talk to your doctor about your pain, key information to bring to your visit, and the three most important questions to ask your doctor.

Let’s dig in.

Five Signs You Should Consider Consulting a Doctor

Not all pain requires a trip to the doctor. But you should consider consulting a doctor if any of these five signs present themselves:

• Your pain is severe and limits your ability to function in daily activities.

  
  

• You experience fevers, chills, redness, or swelling associated with the pain (this could indicate an infection or inflammatory condition).

  
  

• You have numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control. These may suggest nerve involvement or a more serious condition, such as cauda equina syndrome (CES).

  
  

• Your pain has persisted for more than four weeks without any sign of improvement.

  
  

• You suspect a fracture, torn tendon, or ligament injury due to the severity of the pain or the mechanism of injury (such as a fall, direct trauma, or high-impact accident).

If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking medical advice promptly can help you avoid complications and expedite your recovery.

How To Talk to Your Doctor About Your Pain

Talking to your doctor — especially as a new patient — can be intimidating and difficult. But it doesn’t have to be, especially if you prepare ahead of time by defining your goals and having key information readily available.

Define Your Goals

Once you’ve decided to speak with your doctor about your pain, it’s important to establish clear goals for your visit. This will help guide your conversation and ensure that you receive the best possible care.

A primary goal should be to establish a diagnosis. This will allow you and your healthcare provider to better understand the nature of the problem. Identifying the underlying cause is essential in determining the most effective treatment plan.

Some pain conditions resolve on their own, while others may require intervention, so having a proper diagnosis is the first step.

To reach a diagnosis, your doctor will:

• Ask about your symptoms and any history of injury

  
  

• Perform a physical examination to assess mobility, strength, and areas of tenderness

  
  

• And determine if additional tests are necessary, such as blood work, X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound, to confirm a diagnosis.

Once a diagnosis is made, your next goal should be to understand your treatment options, including their risks and benefits.

Different conditions may respond to conservative treatments (such as physical therapy, rest, and medications), while others may require more advanced interventions like injections or surgery.

But to help get the most timely and accurate diagnosis, you’ll want to prepare some key information about your pain.

What To Say: Key Information To Prepare

Doctors often have limited time during appointments, so being prepared with key details can help make your visit efficient and productive. Here are seven important aspects to consider when describing your pain:

1. Location

• Where does it hurt?

  
  

• Can you point to the exact area with one finger?

  
  

• Does the pain radiate anywhere else?

2. Onset

• When did the pain start?

  
  

• Was it gradual or sudden?

  
  

• Was there an injury or specific incident that triggered it?

3. Pain Quality

• How would you describe the pain? (Aching, sharp, stabbing, burning, tingling, etc.)

4. Severity

• How bad is the pain on a scale of 0-10 (with 10 being the worst pain you've ever felt)?

  
  

• Over the past week, what has been the worst, mildest, and average level of pain?

5. Aggravating Factors

• What activities, movements, or times of day make the pain worse?

6. Relieving Factors

• What treatments or actions have you tried that helped (rest, ice, heat, stretching, OTC pain relievers, etc.)?

7. Associated Symptoms

• Are you experiencing redness, swelling, fevers, chills, weakness, numbness, tingling, or loss of bowel/bladder control?

Providing this information in an organized way will help your doctor assess your condition more effectively and avoid missing critical details.

But it’s not just about coming prepared with key details about your pain. You’ll also need to know the right questions to ask your doctor.

What To Ask Your Doctor

Not all doctors have the same level of expertise when it comes to evaluating pain. Some may specialize in sports medicine, orthopedics, or pain management. Others may have more general training.

Because of this variability, it's important to advocate for yourself and ask the right questions to ensure you're receiving the best care possible.

Here's what you should consider asking:

1. Ask for a Diagnosis

• What do you think is causing my pain?

  
  

• What signs or tests confirm this diagnosis?

  
  

• If you are unsure, what steps can we take to establish a diagnosis? (Imaging, specialist referral, physical therapy trial, etc.)

2. Ask About Treatment Options

• What is the natural course of this condition? Will it heal on its own?

  
  

• What are the best treatment options, and what are the pros and cons of each?

  
  

• Would medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery be beneficial in my case?

3. Ask About Follow-Up Care

• When should I follow up if my symptoms don’t improve?

  
  

• Should I see a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor, physical therapist, or pain management physician?

  
  

• If imaging tests are ordered, how will the results be communicated to me?

Many patients leave their visit with an unclear diagnosis or treatment plan. To ensure you receive the right care, I recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment at the time of your initial visit.

Since many medical offices are booked weeks or even months in advance, securing a follow-up appointment early can prevent delays in your treatment plan.

If your condition improves by the time of your follow-up, you can always cancel it.

Putting It All Together

Pain is a common, universal issue. But not all cases require immediate medical attention.

However, if your pain is severe, persistent, or associated with concerning symptoms like weakness or numbness, you should consult a doctor.

By preparing for your visit, clearly communicating your symptoms, and asking the right questions, you can make the most out of your appointment and help ensure that you receive the most appropriate care for your condition.

If you’re looking for natural ways to bolster your body and avoid pain, consider supplements that promote joint, bone, and nerve health.

Some evidence-based options include:

• Collagen & Hyaluronic Acid: These support healthy cartilage and joint flexibility.

• Magnesium & Vitamin D3: These are essential for muscle relaxation and bone health.

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Helps reduce inflammation and joint pain.

• Turmeric/Curcumin: A powerful natural anti-inflammatory that may help with nagging pain.

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain, talk to your doctor about whether supplements, lifestyle modifications, or other treatments may be beneficial for you.