Table 2: Principles of chronic pain management for family physician

1.
Clinical evaluation and relevant investigations to exclude "Red flags" (physical causes).
2.
Treat "Red flags" when present.
3.
Avoid focusing on physical cause after exclusion of "Red flags".
4.
Identify and initiate early management of "Yellow flags".
5.
Clarify diagnosis and dispel any fear of serious medical condition with patient.
6.
Insist that patient should set goals e.g. targeted activities.
7.
Practice problem solving - teach patient to prioritise and plan his/her activity in advance and to pace activity by breaking activity into smaller portions appropriate for the level of functional ability.
8.
Insist on regular and graded physical exercises.
9.
Commend patient even for small improvement and achievement.
10.
Challenge patient,s negative thoughts to change unhelpful beliefs.
11.
Teach patient to plan ahead for possible relapses and setbacks.
12.
Teach patient relaxation exercises.
13.
Encourage good sleeping habit and diet.
14.
Avoid unnecessary medications, interventions, prolonged rest, sedatives.
15.
Empower patients for self management and increase their self efficacy.
16.
Communicate with various specialists, family members and insurance companies.
17.
Refer difficult patient to appropriate specialists.