Treatments and Therapies for Chronic Pain

May 20, 2021, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

There are many treatments and therapies for chronic pain and the approaches to treatment have changed significantly over time as the understanding of pain therapy has grown.

We now know that people experience pain differently. The way we experience pain is influenced by biology, psychology, faith and social factors. Treatment of chronic pain needs to take these factors into account in order to be effective.

It is important to understand that chronic pain may never be cured, only managed. Pain management therapies are used in conjunction with one another. There are several avenues of pain management according to Health Canada and these include:

1. Self Management – These strategies for pain management are focussed on coping with the pain and behaviour modifications. They include:
   1. Meditation
   2. Support groups
   3. Diet and exercise
   4. Pain neuroscience
   5. Breathing and relaxation
2. Manual Therapies – These are therapies administered by health care practitioners and include;
   1. Physiotherapy
   2. Massage therapy
   3. Spinal mobilization and manipulation
   4. Osteopathic treatment
   5. Acupuncture
3. Medical Support Devices or Interventional Pain Procedures – these are devices or applications of devices that can help to treat or manage the pain. These are generally prescribed by a medical professional and may be done in an office or used at home by the patient. They can include:
   1. Nerve blocks
   2. Steroid injections
   3. TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation”
   4. Spinal cord stimulation
   5. Deep brain stimulation
   6. Shock wave therapy
   7. Laser therapy
   8. Splints
   9. Braces
4. Physical rehabilitation interventions- these can be prescribed by a professional therapist and implemented at home by the patient.
   1. Physical activity, movement and exercise
   2. Yoga and Tai Chi
   3. Activity modification
   4. Graded activity and motor imagery
5. Psychological interventions – these can help change the mindset of the patient resulting in better tolerance of pain. They include therapies which change emotions, behavior, and thoughts like:
   1. CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy)
   2. Support groups
   3. Mindfulness-based interventions
   4. Acceptance therapy
6. Pharmaceutical Interventions – These are almost always prescribed in conjunction with other therapies. While opioids were once a front-line treatment, issues of dependence, addiction and tolerance are now better understood. They may not be the first line of treatment any longer. Some of the medications may be used in conjunction with others, and it is important to understand the long term impacts of their use.
   1. NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
   2. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
   3. Opioids
   4. Cannabinoids
   5. Anticonvulsants
   6. Antidepressants
   7. Muscle relaxants

If you have been seriously injured in an accident and are suffering chronic pain, you should seek treatment from your physician. You should also contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately to consult on your case and determine whether you are eligible for compensation.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.