Acute pain is usually caused by something we can identify, like an injury or surgery, and has an expected duration. Chronic pain differs in that it’s not always able to be traced back to an injury, illness, surgery, etc. It also lasts beyond the time that one might expect an injury or illness to take to heal (typically more than 3 months).
Most patients with chronic pain receive the majority of their care from their primary care provider, which is often a physician or nurse practitioner, sometimes supported by other professionals such as:
- Social workers
- Nurses
- Physiotherapists
- Chiropractors
- Massage therapists
More information
- Patient resources chronic pain (PDF) - Northern Health
For more information about the administrative team that supports the chronic disease services, see Regional Chronic Disease Program.
Resources
HealthLink BC provides an overview of chronic pain, including info regarding risk factors, prevention, symptoms, and treatment. It also provides links to information on conditions often associated with chronic pain, such as Diabetic Neuropathy.
- ArthritisBC + Me provides a central repository of information to assist patients in BC as they manage their arthritis. The website includes information about the condition, related research, and a listing of services and programs in the province related specifically to living with arthritis.
- Arthritis Society of BC is a health charity with the purpose of embracing and empowering people living with arthritis. Their website provides online learning, webinars, information on workshops and events happening in local communities, and a Helpline for those living with arthritis.
- Gentle Movement @ Home is a series of videos that Pain BC has created specifically for people living with chronic pain to introduce gentle movement and relaxation into their self-care.
- Know Your Medications is a Northern Health site that provides valuable information about keeping track of your medication. It also links to a free app for your cellphone that helps track medications and immunizations.
- Live Plan Be is an online self-management resource for people in pain. Developed by Pain BC, this resource allows you to learn about the science behind chronic pain, track your symptoms and their impacts, and develop a plan for better pain management and quality of life.
- MYCAREPATH is a website geared towards youth and their care providers. It provides information on understanding pain and provides realistic tools that are beneficial in managing chronic pain.
- Pain BC is a registered charity with the mission of improving the lives of people with pain. The organization provides a call-in support line, phone-based pain management coaching, face-to-face Pain Support & Wellness Groups, and links to pain resources in your community.
- Self-Management BC, through the University of Victoria, offers free face-to-face programs in communities across the province to people with chronic health conditions, and their family members, with information, practical skills, and confidence in managing chronic diseases. There is a 6-week program specifically focused on chronic pain.
The physicians and nurses at the Pain Clinic at UHNBC, in Prince George, provide specialized care for patients with complex chronic pain. The team at the Pain Clinic accepts referrals from family physicians, nurse practitioners, specialists, and the Palliative Care team. At this time, the clinic accepts referrals for patients experiencing:
- Back pain with or without leg pain
- CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
- Uncontrolled cancer pain
- Neck pain
The Pain Clinic is located at:
University Hospital of Northern BC
1475 Edmonton Street
Prince George BC
Phone: 250-565-2139
Fax: 250-565-2160
Email: UHNBCPainClinic@northernhealth.ca