Pain relief is an important part of your treatment. Although medical professionals may not be able to eliminate your pain, we can reduce it to a more acceptable level with your help. You are not expected to "tough it out". You have a right to be as comfortable as possible.

What to Know about Pain

• Prevention is better than treatment so try to take action before the pain starts to "stay ahead" of the pain.
• If pain worsens before turning, or getting out of bed, or going to physical therapy or before a dressing is changed, ask to be medicated beforehand.
• If you experience unacceptable side effects such as nausea, headache, drowsiness, constipation, etc. request a change in drug dose or another medication.
• Anxiety can intensify pain. Request medications or other treatments that can reduce anxiety.
• Restlessness and agitation can be signs of escalating pain in individuals who cannot make their needs known.

Options for Pain Control

• Medication
• Opiods
• Nonsteriodal anti-inflammatories
• Patient controlled analgesia
• Spinal analgesia
• Nerve blocks
• Anti-anxiety drugs
• Sleep aids

Other options

• Rest
• Ice
• Heat
• Elevation
• Splinting
• Massage
• Relaxation
• Imagery
• Distraction
• Education
• Biofeedback
• Exercise
• Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation Units (TENS)

You have the right to make choices. This includes the right to refuse treatment. Your medical team should make every effort to accommodate your needs.