Editorial Guidelines

PainQuestions.net is committed to providing accurate, evidence-based health information. These editorial guidelines outline the standards and practices we follow to ensure our content meets the highest quality standards.

Content Standards

Accuracy

• All medical claims must be supported by cited sources from reputable medical literature
• Statistical data must come from primary research or official health organizations
• Treatment information must reflect current medical guidelines
• When evidence is limited or conflicting, this is clearly stated

Objectivity

• Content presents balanced information without bias toward specific treatments or products
• Multiple treatment options are discussed when clinically appropriate
• Limitations and potential risks are included alongside benefits
• Commercial influences do not affect editorial content

Completeness

• Articles address the full scope of a topic, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
• Emergency warning signs are clearly highlighted when applicable
• Information about when to seek medical care is always included
• Frequently asked questions are addressed

Writing Standards

Readability

• Content is written at approximately an 8th-grade reading level
• Medical terminology is defined when first used
• Complex concepts are explained in plain language
• Sentences and paragraphs are kept concise

Structure

• Articles use clear headings and subheadings for easy navigation
• Key information is presented early in each section
• Bullet points and tables are used for easy scanning
• A summary or "bottom line" section provides quick takeaways

Citation Standards

Acceptable Sources

• Peer-reviewed medical journals
• Government health agencies (CDC, NIH, FDA, WHO)
• Academic medical institutions
• Professional medical associations
• Established medical references (MedlinePlus, Merck Manual)

Sources We Avoid

• Non-peer-reviewed publications
• Sources with obvious commercial bias
• Personal blogs or anecdotal accounts as primary sources
• Outdated research (unless historically relevant)

Medical Disclaimer Requirements

Every article must include:

• A clear medical disclaimer stating content is informational, not medical advice
• Encouragement to consult healthcare providers for personal medical decisions
• Emergency contact information when discussing serious symptoms
• Publication and last-updated dates

Content Prohibitions

We do not publish content that:

• Makes unsubstantiated claims about cures or treatments
• Provides specific dosage recommendations without citing official guidelines
• Encourages self-diagnosis or self-treatment for serious conditions
• Promotes unproven alternative treatments as substitutes for evidence-based care
• Contains sensationalized or fear-based language

Update Policy

• Content is reviewed periodically to ensure accuracy
• Articles are updated when significant new research or guideline changes occur
• Last-updated date is clearly displayed on all articles
• Major revisions are noted when applicable

Corrections Policy

We are committed to correcting errors promptly:

• Factual errors are corrected immediately upon discovery
• Significant corrections are noted at the top of affected articles
• Readers can report concerns via our Contact page