Pain Waves

The Canadian Pain Task Force is an external advisory body that has been helping the Government of Canada better understand and address the needs of people living with chronic pain since its inception in March of 2019. The Task Force recently delivered its second report - Working together to better understand, prevent and manage pain: What we heard - to Health Canada following extensive consultations from July 2019 through August 2020 with people who live with, or have an interest in, chronic pain.In this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by Pain BC’s Executive Director Maria Hudspith, who co-chairs the Task Force, and Linda Wilhelm, a Task Force member who lives with pain and is the President of the Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance, to learn more about the Task Force’s latest work. They provide an insightful discussion about what they heard from Canadians during the Task Force’s consultations, the expected impact of their latest report to government, and what the next steps are in the

While the link between chronic pain and the BC overdose crisis may not be widely understood, unmanaged pain can be a significant driver of substance use. In fact, nearly half of those who have died of overdose in BC had sought help to manage pain in the year prior to their death.In this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Alexis Crabtree from the BC Centre for Disease Control – known as the BCCDC – and Kim Williams, a person with pain who is in recovery from substance use, to learn more about the connections between pain, substance use, and overdose deaths in BC. Resources mentioned in this episode:- Toward the Heart (take home naloxone kits and other overdose prevention resources): https://towardtheheart.com/- Lifeguard application: https://lifeguarddh.com/- BC Centre on Substance Use information on opioid addiction treatment: https://www.bccsu.ca/poatsp/resources/- Dr. Alexis Crabtree's research on Toxicology and prescribed medication histories among people experiencing fatal illi

Many people living with pain find peer support programs help them to feel heard and understood, and reduce their feelings of isolation and helplessness that often accompany pain.In this month's episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we discuss how our free Pain Support and Wellness Groups are providing people in pain with opportunities to meet regularly online and build a community of support while learning about pain management and sharing coping strategies. We're joined by a number of different guests - Dorota Hedzelek, Pain BC's Director of Support Services, as well as two volunteer facilitators, Dwayne and Juhree, and two group participants, Jenny and Mike - who offer their unique perspectives on the program and how it benefits people in pain.To learn more about accessing a Pain Support and Wellness Group, visit https://www.painbc.ca/supportgroups

Orofacial pain – pain that occurs in the mouth, jaw, face, or head – impacts approximately 22-26% of the population but is not always well understood due to the complex structures and functions involved in the region.In this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by dental experts PJ Murphy and Alberto Babiloni to learn about what orofacial pain is, influencing factors and underlying health conditions that can make orofacial pain worse, and common treatment and management options that are available to help.

People who live with chronic pain commonly report experiencing issues with sleep and, conversely, poor sleep can make it more difficult to manage pain.In this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by two experts, Dr. Josh Rash and Dr. Gilles Lavigne, to learn about how pain and sleep impact each other, sleep disorders that are common among people in pain, and what common treatment and management options exist for people with chronic pain who experience disturbances in sleep.Resources from today's episode:- Consensus sleep diary: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/olli/class-materials/sleep_diary.pdfWorkbooks:- “The insomnia workbook” by Silberman and Morin: https://tinyurl.com/y95mqwr7- “Quiet your mind and get to sleep” by Carney and Manber: https://tinyurl.com/yc6a7ezt- “Sink into sleep” by Davidson: https://tinyurl.com/y7g7z5rg- Free guided app on cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia: https://www.myvaapps.com/cbti/

The current public health emergency has created a challenging situation for most people, but it is especially difficult for people who already live with complex health conditions like chronic pain.On this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we listen to the lived experiences of five people with chronic pain from across Canada as they share how COVID-19 is impacting their ability to manage pain, well-being and other aspects of daily life.Resources mentioned in this episode:- Pain BC's support groups: https://www.painbc.ca/supportgroups - Pain BC's COVID resources for people in pain: https://www.painbc.ca/blog/responding-needs-people-pain-during-covid-19- Additional COVID resources for people in pain: https://www.painbc.ca/covidArthritis resources:- Canadian Arthritis Patient Alliance: http://arthritispatient.ca/- Arthritis Society: https://arthritis.ca/- Creaky Joints resource website: https://creakyjoints.org/- Chronic Eileen blog: https://www.chroniceileen.com/Other pain resources:- People in Pain Net

When dealing with an unfamiliar or stressful situation like the current coronavirus pandemic, it's not uncommon to think of the worst possible outcomes, which is sometimes referred to as "catastrophizing". While catastrophizing can lead to increased feelings of stress and anxiety for people who already live with complex health conditions, it can also be a useful tool when well-managed.In this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Bronnie Lennox Thompson, a world-renowned pain educator and researcher based out of New Zealand. She talks to us about what catastrophizing is, how it relates to pain and the current coronavirus pandemic, and shares tips on how people in pain can manage catastrophic thoughts and take care of themselves during this public health emergency.Resources mentioned in this episode:- Pain BC's supports for people in pain: https://painbc.ca/find-help- Bronnie's HealthSkills blog: https://healthskills.wordpress.com/- Bronnie's article on catastrophizing and how it relat

Canada is known as a world leader in children’s pain research, yet it often takes a long time for emerging evidence to make its way into standard clinical practice.On this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Katie Birnie, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at the University of Calgary and a clinical psychologist at Alberta Children’s Hospital. She talks to us about the important work that is underway to advance how children’s pain is understood and managed across Canada through two major research and knowledge translation initiatives – the Partnering for Pain project and the Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) network.Resources mentioned in this episode:- Partnering for Pain project: http://partneringforpain.com/- Solutions for Kids in Pain network: https://www.kidsinpain.ca/- Pediatric Pain Letter (co-written by Dr. Katie Birnie and people with lived experiences): http://ppl.childpain.org/issues/v20n3_2018/v20n3_birnie.shtml- O

In this special episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we share a recent episode from the Pain Talk podcast. Hosted by Dr. Maureen Allen, a palliative and emergency care physician in Nova Scotia, Pain Talk brings together experts who study and support individuals living with persistent pain.In this two-part episode, Dr. Allen speaks to Canadian Pain Task Force co-chairs, Maria Hudspith and Dr. Fiona Campbell, to learn more about what the Task Force is doing to identify and address the barriers that prevent Canadians with persistent pain from receiving the care and treatment they need. Maria and Fiona also highlight specific insights that were uncovered in the Task Force’s first of three reports, which was delivered to Health Canada in June of 2019.More information about the Canadian Pain Task Force can be found here: https://www.painbc.ca/blog/2019-canadian-pain-task-force-updateMore information about Pain Talk:https://paintalk.ca/

When chronic pain is complicated by factors such as poverty, poor mental health, substance use or trauma, it can further limit a person’s ability to access health care.In this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by William Bateman to learn about Vancouver Coastal Health’s new pilot program. The Downtown Eastside Chronic Pain Service is a first-of-its-kind program that provides non-pharmacological pain management support to people living with pain in Vancouver who experience marginalization.Resources mentioned in this episode:- Pain BC's Making Sense of Pain program: https://www.painbc.ca/making-sense-of-pain/program-sites- Pain BC's Gentle Movement and Relaxation Course: https://painbc.ca/health-professionals/education/gentle-movement-and-relaxation-course- More about Vancouver Coastal Health's DTES Chronic Pain Service: http://www.vch.ca/about-us/news/news-releases/downtown-eastside-clinics-provide-drug-free-options-for-chronic-pain-management

With chronic pain impacting the lives of 1 in 5 Canadians, National Pain Awareness Week provides a critical opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for change in the way pain is understood and managed for millions of Canadians.People living with pain play a vital role in raising the profile of chronic pain, so on this month’s episode of the Pain Waves Podcast, we’re joined by patient advocates Jason and Jennifer. They speak about their experiences with pain, its many impacts on their lives and how they’re using their stories to advocate for others who also live with pain.To follow the conversation on National Pain Awareness Week, search for the #LivingWithPain and #NPAW2019 hashtags on Twitter and Facebook.Resources mentioned in this episode:- Jason's podcast: https://www.discomfort.fm/- Jennifer's blog post: https://www.painbc.ca/blog/undiagnosed-pain-one-womans-journey-hope

While it’s becoming known that 1 in 5 British Columbians lives with chronic pain, it may come as more of a surprise that persistent pain is also common in children.In this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Sue Bennett and Dr. Erin Moon, who are both registered psychologists at BC Children’s Hospital. They talk to us about pediatric pain, how pain can affect growth and development in children, and the impacts of childhood pain on parents. They also share insights and resources that can help children and their parents manage pediatric pain and its impacts.Resources:- Webinar on "Return to Functioning in Children and Teens with chronic pain": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w88e_kfO_cY- Ten Tips for Parents of Children Teens with Chronic Pain: https://www.wwdpi.org/SiteCollectionDocuments/BCCH1683_ChronicPainTipSheet_2014.pdf- Pain BC's Pain Support Line: https://www.painbc.ca/supportline- MyCarePath website for children with pain and their parents: https://www.mycarepath.ca- People

Living with chronic pain can be overwhelming and isolating, but sharing your story with others has the power to influence a new understanding of pain and how to manage it, and can help with providing a voice for other people living with pain.On this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by Joletta Belton, a person with lived experience who has been advocating for people in pain since 2010. She shares her personal experiences and draws upon how she’s been able to redefine her story in a way that’s helped her manage pain, find meaning in life again, and increase awareness and understanding of pain among others.Resources mentioned in this episode:- Joletta's blog: https://www.mycuppajo.com/- Joletta's recent Pain BC webinar on pain science and story: https://painbc.ca/health-professionals/webinars/making-sense-pain-through-science-and-story- Endless Possibilites Initiative: http://www.epicolorado.org/- Retrain Pain Foundation: https://www.retrainpain.org/Literature references:- Howard Brody's "

Living with chronic pain can be overwhelming, but it can help to have someone to talk to who understands what it's like and can support you in taking control back of your life.In this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we discuss how our free Coaching for Health program is helping people with pain learn self-management skills, regain function and improve their well-being. We’re joined by Dorota Hedzelek, Pain BC’s Director of Support Services, who provides a detailed discussion on what the Coaching for Health program is, its benefits and how it can be accessed. We’re also joined by Ada Glustein, a coaching volunteer, and Chantelle Levesque, a coaching client, both of whom have lived experience with pain. They share their unique perspectives on the program and highlight some of the outcomes they’ve witnessed as a result of their participation.To learn more about or to apply to the Coaching for Health program, visit https://painbc.ca/coachingTo learn more about volunteering for the Coaching for Health p

ICBC recently announced major changes to their accident benefits coverage as of April 1, 2019. Since car accidents can be a significant driver for developing chronic pain, it’s important to know how these changes will impact care and recovery in the event of an accident.In this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by Vito Albanese, the Senior Director of Claims Strategy and Programs at ICBC, who walks us through the major changes that have taken place for claims, why these changes have been made and how they will impact anyone who develops chronic pain as the result of a motor vehicle accident.For more information, visit www.icbc.com/changeJoin us next month as we discuss our Coaching for Health program in detail, a free telephone coaching program designed to help people living with pain gain self-management skills, regain function and improve their wellbeing.

On today’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by Neil Pearson, a renowned physiotherapist, clinical assistant professor and yoga therapist, to talk about how understanding pain in a different way can help improve our process for self-care and managing pain when it persists. We also introduce our collaborative Gentle Movement and Relaxation Course, a free online course that will equip health care providers in BC with knowledge and resources to lead their own movement and relaxation programs for people with persistent pain.Join us again next month, when we’ll be joined by ICBC to talk about the major changes that are taking place for ICBC claims starting April 1, 2019, and how these changes will impact people with persistent pain.Gentle Movement and Relaxation Course for providers: https://painbc.ca/gentlemovementFree resources for people with pain:Empowering Self-Management of Pain (webinars):Part 1: https://www.liveplanbe.ca/pain-education/pain-basics/empowering-self-management-of-pain-part-1-exp

Sex and intimacy can both be impacted by chronic pain, but they aren't topics that are always easily discussed with health care providers. In this month’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by physiotherapist Sarah Haag, who specializes in pelvic pain and women’s and men’s health. She provides us with a discussion on how chronic pain can impact sex and intimacy, the role of specialized physiotherapists in helping patients with pain who wish to reengage in sex, and practical tips for both people with pain and their partners to explore or maintain the two in their relationship.If you'd like to connect with Sarah to find a local physiotherapist who specializes in pelvic pain, women's health, or men's health, visit her Twitter page: https://twitter.com/sarahhaagpt

A new year can often be seen as a source for inspiration, whether it be a change in personal habits, setting new goals or refocusing our attention on certain aspects of our lives. On today’s episode of the Pain Waves podcast, we’re joined by Connie Davis from the Centre for Collaboration Motivation and Innovation to talk about brief action planning (BAP), a self-management support technique that uses a structured step-by-step process to help people set realistic goals and make concrete action plans for their health and wellbeing. If you’re living with pain and would like to set goals for managing your pain, this episode will provide good foundational knowledge, tips and free resources to help you get started. Resources highlighted in this episode: LivePlanBe resources- Online self-assessment and BAP: https://www.liveplanbe.ca/manage-my-painCCMI resources- BAP general page: https://centrecmi.ca/brief-action-planning/- Printable BAP guide: https://centrecmi.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/BAP_guide_2016-08-08.pd

Music can be therapeutic in many situations, but recent research suggests it may be especially beneficial for people living with chronic pain.In this episode of the Pain Waves podcast, sound designers and researchers Mark Nazemi and Maryam Mobini talk to us about the benefits of sound therapy and how it can play a role in pain management. They also discuss developing their app, to:Resonate, a platform through which they will create and share music grounded in neuroscience to help people manage their pain.To find out more about to:Resonate and to donate: https://toresonate.com/To access the free to:Resonate composition on InsightTimer: http://insig.ht/gm_34740