•An uncomfortable feeling that tells you that something may be wrong
•Your body's way of sending a warning to your brain

Is Pain a problem?

•Pain is a major health care crisis in the United States
•More than 130 million Americans suffer from chronic pain
•Chronic pain creates both physical and emotional suffering
•Pain can decrease a person's strength, coordination, and independence
•Pain can create stress and even lead to depression
•The good news is that pain can be relieved or greatly eased with proper pain management!
•Research and experience have shown that pain management is best accomplished by a team of health care professionals working with you on dealing with pain.
•Be persistent, insist on your rights, and don't give up.

The Truth is...

•Pain is not something you "just have to live with"
•You need to talk to your doctor about pain
•Pain medications rarely cause addiction
•Most side effects from medications can be managed
•If you act quickly with pain starts, you can often prevent it from getting worse

Remember...

•Pain is whatever the person experiencing pain says it is
•Pain exists whenever the person experiencing the pain says it does
•The experience and perception of pain differ from person to person and pain must always be taken from an individual's vantage point

The Pain Care Bill of Rights

As a person with pain, you have:

•The right to have your report of pain taken seriously and be treated with dignity and respect
•The right to have your pain thoroughly assessed and promptly treated
•The right to know what may be causing your pain, possible treatments, and the benefits, risks, and costs of each
•The right to actively participate in decisions on how to manage your pain
You also have:

•The right to have your pain reassessed regularly and treatment adjusted if your pain continues
•The right to be referred to a pain specialist if your pain persists
•The right to get clear and prompt answers to your questions, take time to make decisions and the right to refuse a type of treatment if you choose

Although not always required by law, these are rights you should expect, and if necessary, demand for your pain management.