• Chronic pain is a condition that

affects as many as 1 in 5 Canadian

adults, with resulting costs in

extended medical care, reduced

quality of life, and often emotional

and psychological pain.1

• Generally defined as lasting longer

than three months,2 chronic pain

can vary in its level of severity,

duration, and the complex of

symptoms that result.

• Potential effects of uncontrolled

chronic pain are significant,

especially without treatment.

Evidence shows that it can

compromise immune function and

even promote tumor growth.1

• Chronic pain can strike many types of

people, but according to surveys by

Statistics Canada done in 1996, 1997,

and 2005, 38 percent of seniors living in

health-care institutions report chronic

pain, the majority of them women.2 In 64

percent of these cases, pain interferes

with daily activities.

• Another survey indicates that millions of

Canadians suffer with chronic pain every

day, 72 percent of them for more than 12

hours a day, even after trying multiple

treatments. The result is limited ability to

cope with daily activities, work, and family

relationships.3

• Many accident victims suffer chronic pain,

which can be part of a complex of after-

effects, including depression, anxiety,

sleep disorders, and post-traumatic

stress disorder.

• Chronic pain can be the result of

many different factors, from

physical to psychological. A few

common causes are found,

including:

• Post-operative pain that

becomes chronic after

many common surgical

procedures

• Musculoskeletal pain, such

as low back pain, herniated

discs and more

• Injuries from trauma, such

as auto accidents1

• RSD or Reflex Sympathetic

Dystrophy, also known as

CRPS, or Complex

Regional Pain Syndrome

• It is difficult to assess the reasons

for chronic pain. Diagnosis often

depends on patient reporting and

description of symptoms, and may

take years to understand and

resolve. Many patients are left with

a lifelong condition.

• One new study found that on

average, patients suffer chronic pain

for six years, and one in eight

people undergo pain for around 15

years.3 The same study showed that

72 percent have tried an average of

2.4 different treatments, yet remain

in pain.

• Personal injury leading to chronic

pain can be a life-changing event

that lasts for months or years.

• Many in the medical community

advocate for more

understanding and multi-

disciplinary approaches to pain

management. The complex

nature of pain requires a unique

approach to treatment for each

individual.

• Up to 30 percent of pain is

handled with medication,

according to one source,3 and

some patients report good

results with innovative

treatments like Trans Epidermal

Neurostimulation (TENS),

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS),

and a combination of physical

and sometimes psychological

therapy.

• Traditional and alternative

treatments can be used to

determine the most effective

combination for each individual,

from acupuncture to surgery.4

Individuals who find little relief from treatment or who lose hope of

improvement, may fall into other, related disorders. Some

common ones include:

• Depression – common symptoms include feelings of

helplessness and hopelessness, uncontrollable negative

thoughts, withdrawing from social interactions

• Sleep Disorder – characterized by difficulty falling and

staying asleep, irritability and sleepiness during the day,

impaired ability to concentrate, and more

• Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome –

symptoms include widespread symmetrical muscle pain,

progressive disability and fatigue, anxiety

• At times, litigation is required to obtain

damages for pain and suffering as the

result of an auto accident or other

personal injury event.

• Compensation may be due for loss of

income, impairment to daily functioning,

need for rehabilitation or home care,

and more.

• Legal representation can assist in

determining fault and making a claim.

An accident lawyer should provide

ongoing assistance to ensure that you

understand the laws governing your

situation.

Edson Legal, led by Barry Edson, has a 30-

year history of successfully representing

the disabled and injured for thousands of

accident and disability claims.

The Edson team takes pride in our

reputation for establishing many important

legal precedents, as well as recovering

millions of dollars in settlements and

payments for clients. We work on your

behalf to obtain the kind of rehabilitation

and treatment you need.

The right lawyer will help you obtain a fair

settlement or judgment, and ultimately, the

right compensation. Contact us for a free

consultation at www.edsonlegal.com, or call

now at 1-855-702-3119.

Sources

1.http://www.positivelivingbc.org/news/140918/dr-marla-battling-

chronic-pain

2. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/1-in-5-canadians-

struggles-with-chronic-pain-1.2622277

3. http://www.stockhouse.com/news/press-releases/2014/10/14/the-

canadian-pain-coalition-states-urgency-to-improve-chronic-pain-

awareness

4.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/spring11/article

s/spring11pg5-6.html