Registed Nurses' Association of Ontario

Helping people manage their pain

About this Fact Sheet:

You may need to seek assistance from a health-care professional when you have concerns about people you care for who are in pain.

Uncontrolled pain is a common problem. Pain can affect anyone at any age and include people who are unable to communicate that they are experiencing some form of pain. If people have pain during their day-to-day activities or during any medical procedure, this can affect the way they behave and function. This behaviour may cause you to feel helpless and distressed, especially if you can not help them with their pain and they are not able to speak for themselves.