Pain is a complicated and subjective condition. Patients come into my care after dealing with their pain for anywhere between weeks and a lifetime. By identifying potential contributors to pain and the pain experience, together, we can create a targeted care plan. Part of that process includes listening closely to my patients as they tell their stories because the impact of pain goes beyond physical health. Emotional well-being suffers as well. Conversely, life events and a reduced level of emotional well-being can amplify the experience of pain. It is a vicious cycle. That is why it is so fulfilling to have a patient smile as they report performing activities that they had previously been unable to enjoy. Relief from pain enabled them to partake in functional or pleasurable tasks. I am most rewarded from my work when patients become life-engaged because of the care I offer them.