Talk to your doctor

As soon as you recognise that you have chronic pain, visit your doctor. Be prepared to clearly describe the pain you feel and which parts of your body are affected. It may help if you answer the questions on the page “What kind of pain do you feel” and take a printout to show to your doctor. It may also help if you let your doctor know:

• When the pain began
• If the pain feels as though it is radiating or spreading
• How severe the pain is
• How often the pain occurs
• Whether the intensity of pain varies over time

You should also mention if the pain affects your work, social or private life. By describing your symptoms clearly and fully and the impact these have on your life your doctor will be better positioned to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe the most suitable treatment for you.

Do not try to deal with your pain alone

Continue to socialise with your family and friends. Openly discuss your pain with them so they know how it affects you and if there is anything they can do to help you.

Patient support groups may also be able to assist you. People suffering from and affected by pain can discuss their problems, listen to expert advice and ask questions to learn more about neuropathic pain.

Get advice about exercise and other techniques that may help

Although your doctor may choose to prescribe a medicine to treat your pain, there are other treatment options that they may prescribe such as:

• Physical therapies (such as heat treatment)
• Physiotherapy (stretching and strengthening exercises)
• Acupuncture
• Exercise and relaxation techniques

By remaining physically active you can stop your muscles becoming weak and tight, which can increase the problems caused by pain.

A long-term condition needs long-term management

Neuropathic pain is caused by damage to nerves. Because nerve damage rarely heals, the pain you feel may last for a long time, but long-term suffering as a result of neuropathic pain is often unnecessary. You may have to follow a treatment regimen prescribed by your doctor for the rest of your life, but the pain you feel could be relieved, allowing you to take an active part in everyday life.