Helping Patients Understand the World of Pain Medicine
by Ron Lechnyr, PhD, DSW and Terri Lechnyr, PhD
 Pain management is, by its nature, a multidisciplinary profession
and so the over-emphasis on the medical model—while a central part of paint
management—oftentimes misses the point. And so this article will frequently refer to
“heath care provider” while at other times referring to physician or medical
provider. This was done on purpose. The questions patients bring up are often not directed
at the physician or other prescriber but, instead, at the psychologist, clinical social
worker and sometimes the physical therapists. The reason is that the latter professions
spend much more time with the patient and are the ones who have to interpret what is
happening and then work with the rest of the team, as well as the patient, to clarify
issues. As one who has owned and operated two different pain centers with a large
multidisciplinary team—along with working in a clinic with 44 physicians and with the
U.S. Public Health Service—the lead author is keenly aware of the wider role played
by all health care providers.
The purpose of this article is to be used as a handout to patients and is based on
clinical experience interacting with pain patients and documenting patient behaviors over
the years.1-4 In fact, after the authors had written this article, it was tested by having
current patients read it. The result was a dramatic reduction in complaints and
misunderstandings. The authors believe that it would be helpful to all pain patients to
understand and clarify issues that typically arise in pain management and, ultimately,
improve patient-physician communication.
What Pain Patients Need to Know
Do you every wonder what your pain medicine provider is thinking about you?
1. Have you ever felt your pain medication provider treats you as a ‘drug
addict?’
2. Do you wonder why your health care provider is concerned about how you have used, or
are using, chemicals such as alcohol, drugs and/or pain medications?
3. Do you think that your provider is overly concerned about these issues and your past
and present use of such chemicals?
So that you won’t feel that you are being treated as a criminal or a ‘drug
addict,’ it might be helpful to know what your provider is thinking and concerned
about. The following discussion is designed to help you work with him/her as a partner in
your care.
Please refer to the September 2009 issue for the complete text. In the event you need to order a back issue, please click here.
— September 2009
The full article is now available as a PDF and may be
purchased for $5 and downloaded immediately:
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