This page is general information, not medical advice. Always talk to your GP, pharmacist or specialist about your own treatment. NHS rules differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Where a right only applies in England, we say so.
Before your appointment
GP appointments are often short. A little planning helps you cover what matters most.
Keep a pain diary
For at least 2 to 4 weeks before your appointment, write down each day how bad your pain was, where it was, what made it better or worse, what medicines you took and whether they helped. Note how pain affected your sleep, work and everyday tasks. A diary shows patterns that are easy to forget, and it is good evidence for your doctor, your employer and a funding application.
- Write down your top three concerns, most important first.
- List every medicine you take, including ones you buy yourself, and any side effects.
- Note what you have already tried, and how long for.
- If you need more time, ask the surgery for a longer or double appointment when you book.
- Ask if you can see the same GP each time. Seeing someone who knows you makes a real difference with a long-term condition.
- Bring someone with you if it helps. They can take notes or speak up if you're tired or in pain.
During your appointment
Doctors can't see pain. Describing how it affects your life helps them understand how serious it is.
Describe what you can't do
"I can't sit at my desk for more than 20 minutes" says more than "my pain is 7 out of 10". Talk about work, sleep, caring for others and getting around.
Use words for the feeling
Burning, shooting, stabbing, aching, throbbing or tingling. Different words can point to different causes, such as nerve pain.
Be honest about your bad days
Many people play down their pain on the day. Describe a typical bad day, not just how you feel in the room.
Mention your mood
Long-term pain often affects sleep and mood. Saying so isn't a sign of weakness. It can open the door to more help.
Agree a plan before you leave
Check what happens next, who will do it and when. Ask what to do if things get worse, and when to come back.
Write it down
Make notes, or ask if you can record the conversation on your phone. You can also ask for a copy of any letters about you.
Questions to ask
When you're offered a test, treatment or medicine, these questions help you decide together with your doctor:
| Ask about | Example question |
|---|---|
| Benefits | How will this help me, and how likely is it to work? |
| Risks | What are the side effects or risks? |
| Alternatives | What else could I try? |
| Doing nothing | What happens if I wait or don't have it? |
| Time frame | How long before I should notice a difference, and when will we review it? |
Other useful questions: "Is there a specialist service or pain clinic I could be referred to?", "Can I refer myself to physiotherapy here?" and "Is there a pain management programme in this area?"
Referrals and waiting times
In England, you have a legal right to choose which hospital or service you're referred to for your first appointment with a specialist, when your GP refers you for planned (non-urgent) care. You can choose any provider with an NHS contract for that service, including some independent clinics that treat NHS patients. A shorter wait elsewhere is a good reason to choose it.
- Ask your GP to tell you the options, or look up waiting times yourself on the NHS App.
- The right to choose doesn't apply to urgent or emergency care, or if you refer yourself.
18 weeks
In England, you should start planned, consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks of being referred. If you won't, you can ask your hospital, your local integrated care board (ICB) or NHS England to look for another provider who can see you sooner. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own waiting time standards.
Check your referral has arrived
Referrals sometimes go missing. If you haven't heard anything within 2 to 3 weeks, ring your GP surgery to check it was sent, then ring the hospital or service to check they have it. Keep a note of who you spoke to and when.
Other ways to get help
Refer yourself to physiotherapy
Many areas of the UK
In many areas you can book NHS physiotherapy without seeing your GP first. Search for "physiotherapy self-referral" and your area, or ask your surgery. Some GP surgeries also have a first-contact physiotherapist you can book directly.
Talk to a pharmacist
Any pharmacy, no appointment needed
Pharmacists can check how your medicines work together, explain side effects and suggest what you can buy. Many GP surgeries also have a practice pharmacist who can review all your medicines.
Talking therapies
Self-referral in England through NHS Talking Therapies
Talking therapy can help with the low mood, worry and stress that often come with long-term pain. In England you can refer yourself online. Other UK nations have their own services, which your GP can tell you about.
Pain management programmes
Usually through a GP or pain clinic referral
Group courses run by physiotherapists, psychologists and nurses. They teach pacing, movement and ways to cope, so pain controls less of your life. Waiting lists vary a lot by area.
Charity helplines and support groups
Free
Charities for your condition often have helplines, specialist nurses and peer support groups. Each of our condition guides lists trusted organisations.
Getting the most from medicines
- Ask what each medicine is for, how long it takes to work and how you'll know if it's helping.
- Give it a fair trial. Some medicines for long-term pain take several weeks to work.
- Ask for a review if a medicine isn't helping or the side effects are hard to live with. Don't stop suddenly without advice, as some medicines need to be reduced slowly.
- Ask for a medicines review at least once a year, especially if you take several medicines.
- If you pay for prescriptions in England, a prescription prepayment certificate can save you money.
Strong painkillers aren't always the answer
For many kinds of long-term pain, strong painkillers such as opioids help less than people expect, and can cause harm over time. If you've been taking them for a while, ask for a review. Never change how you take them without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
When treatment isn't working
-
Go back and say so
As soon as you can
Tell your GP clearly that things aren't improving, and what effect that is having. Bring your pain diary.
-
Ask for a second opinion
You can ask at any time
You don't have a legal right to a second opinion, but doctors will usually agree to one if you ask. You can ask to see another GP at your surgery, or ask to be referred to another specialist.
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Talk to PALS
Hospital and NHS services in England
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can help sort out problems with your care, chase delays and explain your options. It is free and confidential.
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Make a complaint
Usually within 12 months
If things still aren't put right, you can complain to the GP surgery or hospital, or to the body that pays for the service. Free independent advocacy services can help you write it.
Getting support at work
The right support at work can stop pain from costing you your job. If your condition has a substantial, long-term effect on everyday life, you may be protected as a disabled person under the Equality Act 2010, even if you don't think of yourself as disabled.
- Ask your employer for reasonable adjustments, such as changed hours, more breaks or working from home.
- Ask for a workstation assessment if you use a computer at work.
- Ask to see occupational health, if your employer has it.
- Ask your GP to tick "may be fit for work" on your fit note and suggest changes, rather than signing you off.
- Apply to Access to Work, which can pay towards equipment and support.
- Plan a phased return after time off, building up your hours.
Put requests in writing and keep copies. Explain what makes things harder and what would help.
Looking after yourself
- Pace yourself. Break tasks into smaller chunks with rests, so good days don't lead to a crash.
- Keep moving gently. For many conditions, staying active in a way that suits you helps more than resting.
- Protect your sleep. Poor sleep makes pain worse. Ask your GP for help if pain is keeping you awake.
- Stay connected. Talk to people you trust, or join a support group with others who understand.
- Check what you're entitled to. Benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) can help with extra costs.
If you're struggling and need to talk to someone now, call Samaritans free on 116 123, any time. For urgent medical help, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help
If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need isn't available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:
- Private physiotherapy or a specialist assessment
- A pain management course
- Ergonomic equipment for work or home
- Aids and small adaptations that make everyday life safer
Your pain diary, letters from your GP or specialist, and written quotes all help with your application. We fund treatment, equipment and support, not general living costs.
Support and sources
NHS
Health information
Your rights to choose and your waiting time rights in England.
nhs.ukPain Concern
Charity for people living with pain
Information, a helpline and practical tools for managing long-term pain.
painconcern.org.ukAccess to Work
Government support
Grants towards equipment and support so you can stay in work.
gov.uk/access-to-workSources for this page
Last reviewed: October 2026.