What is Chronic Pain?
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Pain is your body’s signal that something is wrong.
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Chronic pain is pain that lasts more than 3 months.
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It affects 1 in 4 adults!
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Chronic pain can stop you from doing the things you love.
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If you live with chronic pain, you are not alone
What You Can Do About It
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Get Help Immediately: if you can’t walk, use the bathroom, or breathe properly.
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Talk to Your Doctor: if pain keeps you from walking, standing, sitting, sleeping, or doing things you love
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Tell Someone You Trust: Let someone know that you are experiencing pain
Ask Questions
“What’s causing my pain?” “What can we do about my pain?”
Clarify the plan
Make sure you understand the next steps, any safety measures you need to take, and when to follow up with your healthcare provider.
Be open/optimistic
Be open to treatments and recommendations
Do your part
Follow the recommended plan. Do the activities discussed with your doctor.
"What should I tell you about my pain?" by Dr. Stephanie G. Vanterpool
"How Pain Slows You Down" by Dr. Stephanie G. Vanterpool
Download the "How Pain Slows You Down" One-Pager
There are safe treatments that target the source of your pain. These include:
Are you a Patient
Experiencing Chronic Pain?
University Center For Pain Management of Knoxville (UCPMK)
1934 Alcoa Hwy., Bldg. D-474,
Knoxville, Tennessee 37920
Phone: (865) 999-8684
Email: ucpmkreferrals@utmck.edu
OR
Bougainvillea Clinic Private Hospital
15 Abbott Road, Road Town, British Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands
Phone: (284) 444-2181 | (284) 440-3516
Talking to Your Doctor About Your Pain
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Tell them WHERE you hurt. It helps if you can point to the location
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Tell them WHEN it started. Was it after a fall? An accident?
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Tell them WHAT it feels like. Does it feel sharp? Dull? Crampy? Achy? Other?
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Tell them WHAT makes it better or worse. Ice? Heat? Medications? (Tylenol? Ibuprofen?) Certain movements or activities?
"What You Should Know About Chronic Pain" Patient Brochure
Living With Chronic Pain? You Are Not Alone.
Complete the form to download the brochure and learn more about chronic pain and how to advocate for yourself as a patient.
