At your first appointment, you should have the chance to ‘tell your story’, describe the pain you have experienced and discuss your anxieties. Your doctor will take your concerns seriously and listen. By working in partnership with you, he or she will aim to identify the cause(s) of your pain. Although at times you may feel you are repeating yourself, your story is important. The way you describe your symptoms is crucial in making a diagnosis. Your doctor will probably ask you a number of questions about: