Take Charge of Your Health With a Pain Journal

Back, neck, and headaches are some common symptoms associated with musculoskeletal issues. However, pain like these can progress and become chronic if ignored, so don’t wait for it to go away on its own. Keeping a pain journal can help you be proactive in identifying your pain so you can quickly take action with chiropractic care.

Use the questions below to help you get started.

1. What does a typical day look like for you?
2. How much time do you spend daily on your computer, tablet, or phone?
3. How would you describe your posture throughout the day and at night?
4. How much sleep do you get?
5. How do you typically sleep at night?
6. Are you physically active (at least 30 minutes, three times per week)?
7. Where is your pain located?
8. What kind of pain are you experiencing (sharp, dull, aching, etc)?
9. On a scale of 1 (minimal/none) to 10 (extreme), can you rate your pain?
10. Does your pain limit your daily activities or interfere with your sleep cycle?

Daily – track any pain symptoms and when you start to notice them. A great place to track this is on your phone. Use “Notes” on your phone or download an app like Google Keep to journal the pain you experience, and the date and time it occurs. This way, the next time you meet with your doctor you will have a good idea of what’s going on.

ie. Lower back pain at 10am – 2 hours into the workday.