While, it may not be possible to completely eliminate pain, with treatment, most pain can be controlled. Pain treatments work differently for different people.

Your doctor will work with you to find the right pain medicine and treatment for you. You can help in following ways:

• Talk to your doctor about pain control methods that have worked well for you before, and discuss any concerns.
  
  
• Tell your doctor about any allergies to medicine you have.
  
  
• Ask about side effects that may occur with treatment.
  
  
• Tell your doctor what medicines you take for other health problems since certain drugs, when taken with some pain medicines, can cause problems.

There are several methods to give pain relief medication:

• Most pain medicines are taken by mouth either in tablet or liquid form.
  
  
• Injection into muscle or skin are medicines given by shots.
  
  
• Injections into a vein are medicines given through a small tube called an intravenous (IV) catheter.
  
  
• Injection into the spine are medicines given through a small tube in your back called an epidural intrathecal catheter.
  
  
• Rectal suppositories are medicines that dissolve in the rectum and are absorbed by the body.
  
  
• Patches are medicines that are placed on a patch. The patch is placed on the skin so that medicines can be absorbed into the body (transdermal patches).

What can you do to relieve pain?

There are several non drug methods to get relief from pain:

1. Relaxation Techniques

• Get in as comfortable position as possible
• Breathe in slowly while counting to three
• Breathe out slowly while counting to three
• Continue breathing in and out in the same pattern
• Relaxation tapes may be helpful

2. Imagery

• Get in as comfortable position as possible
• Imagine you are in a place you have found to be relaxing in the past, such as beach or mountains
• Breathe in and out slowly while picturing this in your mind

3. Music

• Get in as comfortable position as possible
• Listen to your favourite music with closed eyes

4. Other therapies 

• Acupuncture
• Heat/ cold massage
• Distractions
• Psychotherapy
• Counseling/ prayer
• Biofeedback
• Exercise
• Patient education
• Support groups
• Hypnosis
• Positioning
• Animal assisted therapy

For information about these therapies please consult your physician.

There are many medicines and treatments that can be used. It may be possible to make changes in your medicine or schedule if you are still having pain. Discuss these options with your doctor, as well as any questions and concerns you may have.