The medical goal of pain treatment is to restore function in the patient's life; it is not necessarily to completely eliminate pain. 

The ideal goal for the chronic pain sufferer would be to get complete pain relief.  In many cases, that goal just isn't realistic.  For instance:

• Disease progression may cause an accompanying progression in pain 
• When an injury remains unresolved, changes in the body may take place making the body more vulnerable to pain
• People with chronic pain often have lower than normal levels of painkilling endorphins and, hence, a heightened sensitivity to pain
• A "wind-up phenomenon" may come into play where nerve fibers transmitting painful impulses to the brain become "trained" to deliver pain signals better and, at the same time, the brain becomes more sensitive to pain

When it's impossible to eliminate pain, the goal has to be to provide as much pain relief as possible and improve everyday functioning.

Here are steps you can take:

• Find a doctor who has expertise in treating chronic pain.  If your doctor isn't able to provide effective treatment, ask about a referral to a pain management clinic.  Not every patient needs to be seen in a pain clinic; but every patient who has pain should at least consider it.
  
  
• Work with your doctor to set realistic expectations.  You and your doctor need to develop a partnership for the long haul.
  
  
• Make sure your doctor treats your emotional and social needs as well as your physical needs.  Because chronic pain continues for a long period of time, it can cause a whole host of issues that can prevent people from leading full and meaningful lives.  Sleep deprivation and too much stress can aggravate pain. Depression can lower your ability to cope with pain.  
  
  
• Learn as much as possible about your condition and how recommended treatments can affect it. Also consider how well those treatments fit your lifestyle. You and your doctor should work together to choose a plan that's right for you.
  
  
• Be patient.  It takes time to figure out which treatment or combination of treatments will work best.  Taking control of pain can be hard work.
  
  
• Be persistent.  Your need for pain control may change over time. Regular monitoring of your condition and how treatments are working is essential to getting the best outcome.
  
  
• Join a support group. Support groups allow people to share ideas, strategies, struggles, and successes. Talking with people who understand what you're going through will help you feel less alone.
  
  
• Settle for nothing less than respectful care and being listened to by all your healthcare providers.
  Many patients who have been treated for chronic pain find that they're able work, socialize and enjoy family life again.  Chronic pain may be unavoidable, but it doesn't need to control your life.