You may find this checklist helpful when thinking about the questions you want to ask your doctor about treating your pain. If there are answers you don’t understand, it is OK to ask your doctor to explain again.

1. What is causing my pain?
   
   
2. Is it likely to get better or worse?
   
   
3. What treatment do you recommend and why?
   
   
4. How long will it take to work?
   
   
5. How often should I take it?
   
   
6. Should I take more medication if I still get pain?
   
   
7. Are there other options if the medication doesn’t work?
   
   
8. What are the possible side effects of the medication?
   
   
9. How can the side effects be managed?
   
   
10. Will I get addicted to my pain medication?
    
    
11. Can you tell me about non-medication treatments?
    
    
12. Will I keep seeing you about my pain relief, or will I see my GP or palliative care nurse?
    
    
13. Who can I contact in an emergency?