By Ross McCreery, iPain Living Columnist
Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians
are living with chronic pain?
However, did you know that there
is some very positive work being
done thats impacting the lives of
those living with chronic pain? In
todays society we hear about an
overwhelming amount of negative
and not as much about the great
things that are being done to improve
care. So my objective as I
write this piece today is to have
you walk away filled with more
hope and to have a better understanding
of all of the hard work
thats being done.
I could list a number of professionals,
organizations, and nonprofits
who are doing ground breaking
work in the area of chronic pain.
Out on the west coast in British
Columbia we have Pain B.C. a
nonprofit who is changing the way
chronic pain is understood and
treated.
Moving to the other side of the
country and the east coast in Nova
Scotia we have researchers like Dr.
Christine Chambers. She is the
driving force behind It Doesnt
Have to Hurt the research program
in childrens pain management.
Not only is it being recognized
here in Canada but around
the world.
These are just two in
a long list who are
setting the benchmark
for the level of
care that Canadians
suffering with chronic
pain not only need
but deserve
There is certainly no shortage of
organizations, professionals, or
services when it comes to the brilliant
work being done here in Canada
for those affected by chronic
pain. The trouble is in gaining access
to those treatments, programs,
and services.
The intention here isnt to be negative
but rather draw attention to the
struggle that those living with pain
are facing. This only makes a
stronger case for why our country
needs a National Pain Strategy.
The problem is that each province
is different in how they deliver
their pain strategy. This causes a
big problem when it comes to Canadians
accessing the levels of
care that they need. If the physicians,
treatment plans, or programs
arent in the province that you live
then you might not be able to access
the care you need. This leads
us to yet another great program.