When Pain Medication Stops Working

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

1. "Is my current medication the right type for the kind of pain I'm experiencing?"

   • Pain may have shifted from inflammatory to neuropathic, requiring different medication

2. "Could adjusting the dose or timing improve the effectiveness?"

   • Sometimes medication works but needs fine-tuning

3. "Are there other medications we haven't tried yet?"

   • Multiple drug classes are available — you may not have explored them all

4. "Would nerve block injections be a good next step?"

   • Injections can both treat pain and help identify its source

5. "Am I a candidate for SCS (Spinal Cord Stimulation)?"

   • Ask about this option, especially if surgery feels too risky or previous surgery didn't resolve the pain

6. "What happens if I just continue as I am?"

   • Understanding the risks of inaction can help clarify the decision

This page provides medically accurate information, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your individual situation.