Improve Chronic Pain – Where to Start?

Hi, I am Judy, a family doctor for over 30 years. I am passionate about CP. In 2016, British Columbia, Canada, declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency, but opioids and chronic pain are the final pathway of undertreated acute pain, both physical and mental. 

This website provides tools, but the more I learn, the more I realize how impossible it is for one person to fully understand of chronic pain. The research continues and I continue to learn from my patients and pain expert. The link Types of Pain can be used for acute and chronic pain, and the Steps in the sidebar on the right (if you have an iPad or laptop) are most helpful for those in chronic pain. 

Pause the videos when fatigue and brain fog sets in. Concentrating on anything is hard when you are in pain. If you are able, please comment to help me understand your pain experience or experience of the website. No comments are visible on the website. 

If you feel Panic, or Overwhelmed, then try this LINK. 

I hope you find the information helpful to you. Please note, the website is not a substitute for your health care provider. 

If you feel overwhelmed with pain, I would suggest you start on The Daily Program. There are heaps of resources on the internet, try On-line Resources and On-line Support for adults.

If you feel ready to jump in, try the Step-by-Step approach on the right side of the page.

Please note this is not a substitute for health care. Consult your health care provider. 

I do mention opioids. Because of the opioid crisis there are patients in severe pain who may be suffering because of restrictions in pain medications. Healthcare providers are having a difficult time working around new guidelines. Let’s all work together. We must listen to each other. Use your voice. There are forms to speak to your healthcare provider.

Conversations About Pain are Important. Please remember to be mindful and respectful. People suffering with chronic pain are often overwhelmed and traumatized. They may even have chronic pain because of past deep seated traumas. You can help by being kind.

Colonization of Indigenous People has resulted in trauma affecting generations. Systemic racism is apparent in our institutions and in even well meaning people. Until I started writing 5 years ago, I was unaware of my own white fragility, even prejudice creeping in without me realizing it. Living a life of white privilege often blinds us to the micro and macro injustices dealt out to people of color. Below a wonderful video. 

Please feel free to comment and and ask questions and report any videos not working – please say which page they are on as I am the only person working on this site.

Your comments will not show up on the website. I will try to answer them on my blog.  I believe in anonymity and have tried to protect the program as much as possible.