People in pain often face a number of obstacles when it comes to getting the medical treatment they need. Pain is an invisible disease, and one that is complicated to explain to both loved ones and health care providers. The more the body is taxed, the less motivated a person in pain may be to navigate the countless tests, specialist referrals and insurance company battles it may take to diagnose, treat and pay for the problem.

Some health care providers may not consider pain to be a condition on its own or may lack training to treat chronic pain effectively. In addition, studies have found that certain groups of people, including non-Caucasians, children, seniors and low-income persons, are frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated for pain. Although health care providers are trying to better care for patients seeking treatment for pain, the changes are slow to take hold.

Even people who have understanding and compassionate providers and family members may find themselves not getting proper treatment due to their own hesitancy about seeking care or their reluctance to "give in" to the disease and admit that the pain is unmanageable. This is especially true among men and older adults.

If you have pain, you deserve comprehensive care and access to the many treatment options available to you. Following are some ideas to help you get the best medical advice and care for your condition.

• Before going to your doctor, take time to write out all of the symptoms, possible triggers and history of your condition. Try to remember the medications you've been prescribed and how your body has reacted to them. This record will prepare you to talk calmly about what's been happening without relying on memory (or giving into emotion) to convey the seriousness of your pain. Use the NPF's Personal Pain Journal to record your daily experiences. You may be surprised at the patterns that emerge.
   
• Don't be afraid to express yourself if you believe you're getting the "run around" from your health care provider, and are unhappy with how he or she is treating your pain. Explain very clearly that you are in pain, that it is negatively impacting your life, and that you want it to get better. If your health care provider still won't provide answers or ideas, find another provider. Consult our Pain Care Professional Directory to find a pain-trained specialist in your area.
   
• If you are angry, frustrated or depressed about your condition, try to calm your emotions. The more emotional you are, the less objectively you'll be able to view the situation and the less help you'll be to yourself, your doctor and those around you. There are a number of ways to work on relaxing yourself, including meditation, yoga, T'ai Chi Chih, acupuncture or other complementary therapies. Investigate the possibilities, open your mind and allow yourself time to focus on the most important part of the equation: you.
   
• Educate yourself about your condition. Look at it the way you would look at buying a house or choosing a college, and make an effort to learn everything you can from the most reliable sources you can find. The NPF is a wonderful place to start your research. We also have provided numerous links to other nationally recognized organizations and government agencies that have clear, current and trustworthy information. Let the experts in the subject be your guides.
   
• If you are stonewalled and feel that no one understands what you are going through, try to find a support group that either meets in your area or connects online. Click here to be redirected to the NPF's Support Group Directory. You are not alone! Others who have experienced similar situations may be able to provide valuable information, advice and emotional support.
   
• No matter how boring or nerve-wracking, set aside a solid chunk of time to research your insurance benefits, as well as any government assistance, worker's compensation or disability payments you might be entitled to. There are a number of agencies devoted to patient rights and health care benefits that can offer assistance to you and your family. A partial list includes:
  • Access2Wellness
  • America's Health Insurance Plans
  • Benefits Check-Up
  • Disability Advocates of America
  • DisabilityInfo.gov
  • Health Assistance Partnership
  • Medicare Rights Center
  • Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP)
  • RxHope
  • Rx Assist

The more you know about how you will pay for your expenses, the more in control you will feel about the situation in general.

The most important thing to remember in the battle against pain is to never give up. No matter what happens, keep fighting to get your voice heard and your pain treated.