Severe chronic pain that resists treatment comes in many forms.
But it doesn't have be crushing.
And that's why Dr. William Davis, the medical director of the Royal Jubilee Hospital's pain program is hosting a Finding Hope in the Midst of Pain forum in the hospital's Begbie Hall on Nov. 10 – to teach what pain is and how to manage it.
Outlined in the two-hour session will be the latest pain management techniques for reducing pain and restoring normal physical movement.
Davis will also describe how the body's pain system works and what changes occurs when the agony persists.
As well, a panel of pain patients will share their experiences using different treatments, pain management and recovery.
Seating for the forum that starts at 6 pm is limited so registration is required (www.viha.ca/pain_program). The costs is by donation.
Pain not only causes physical discomfort, says the RJH pain clinic website, but it can also wreck a person's ability to carry out normal activities such as housework, physical exercise and maintaining meaningful employment.
It interferes with sleep, appetite and emotional well-being.
Also commonly associated with pain are increased depression, anxiety, anger, feelings of helplessness, isolation and hopelessness.
Worse yet, the effects of pain can build on each other aggravate and already difficult situation by actually increasing pain and distress -- or both, says the website.
However, not all is lost. The pain program uses a comprehensive medical and behavioral approach to understand pain and its effects.