Epidural Pain Medication  Controlling your pain is important for
many reasons. Pain control has been shown to improve recovery by
aiding the natural healing process. You will be able to relax
more easily and feel less anxious when you do not have fear of
being in pain. This will help you increase your activity level
and improve mobility, which aids in the healing process.  You
are a full partner in the management of your pain. After all,
only you know how you really feel.  Your health care team will
be made up of doctors, nurses, and therapists. This team will
depend on you to describe your pain in four ways:    • What
hurts?   • Where does it hurt?   • When does it hurt?   • How
much does it hurt?  You will be asked to rate your level of pain
from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain you can imagine). Be assured
that pain medications (including narcotics) are not addictive
when properly managed for pain relief under a doctor’s care.
Your doctor and nurse will work closely with you to help manage
your pain.  What is