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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
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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 aftereffects, including depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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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
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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.
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Many in the medical community advocate for more understanding and multidisciplinary 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
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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 30year 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-battlingchronic-pain 2. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/1-in-5-canadiansstruggles-with-chronic-pain-1.2622277 3. http://www.stockhouse.com/news/press-releases/2014/10/14/thecanadian-pain-coalition-states-urgency-to-improve-chronic-painawareness 4. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/spring11/article s/spring11pg5-6.html