Pain BC Concerned People in Pain Still Lack Effective System of Care 

The National Guidelines for use of opioids in chronic non-cancer pain were released at the end of January. They were developed by the National Pain Centre at McMaster University and funded by Health Canada. Pain BC is concerned that, like the CPSBC Standards and Guidelines released last year, these are being put in place without a system of care to support the transition away from opioids. 

 

Pain BC continues to express concern that the changes in opioid prescribing are being brought about too rapidly, without the system of care for chronic pain patients being put in place (e.g. publicly funded pain clinics, mentoring for family doctors). Our hope is that perhaps these guidelines will spur some investment in new programs and services for people with pain, particulary as a strong message that came out of our Provincial Pain Summit was a call for a national pain strategy.

The guidelines continue a trend towards prioritizing the reduction of harms related to opioids. While Pain BC recognizes the need to effectively manage the harms, we also want to ensure that people who need access to opioids for pain control can get them without being stigmatized. In our view, these guidelines do not state strongly enough the importance of ensuring access to opioids for those patients who need them. They focus too heavily on the broad issue of population-level harms without an equally weighted focus on individualized, patient-centred pain management. The reality is that some people will need opioids for pain control - sometimes at higher doses and for longer periods of time - than recommended by these guidelines.

The authors encourage public feedback and comments, but have stated that the guidelines are unlikely to change unless compelling evidence that the panel hadn't considered is presented. You can provide your feedback here: http://ow.ly/1xta308AaCI.

Study Investigates Beliefs Related to Exercise & Pain

University of Saskatchewan researchers are studying what people with chronic pain experience in their lives, including what beliefs might relate to their exercise levels, and are looking for particpants for a research study. You don't have to be exercising right now to participate.

 

 

Don't Miss Out! Discounted Massage Therapy for Pain BC Supporters 

The Langara Massage Therapy Program Public Clinic in Vancouver is offering discounted student massage therapy appointments to Pain BC supporters. 

Appointments are offered on various days of the week with students in their second year providing treatment. Appointments will be set aside for people with pain for Wednesday afternoons with our Semester 5 students. All student treatment plans are reviewed and supported by registered massage therapists. The clinic is accessible by public transit and is wheelchair accessible, with elevator access. 

 

The discounted rate is $20 per 1-hour treatment (compared to a regular rate of $40). Please call 604 872-2471 to book an appointment. Make sure you mention "Pain BC 2017" when you're booking, to receive the discounted rate. It's also essential that you bring a doctor's note of approval for student massage therapy. You can find out more about the Langara Massage Therapy Program Clinic on their Facebook page. Please contact them directly with any questions.