http://edsonlegal.com/our-expertise/depression-chronic-pain-fibromyalgia-and-sleep-disorders/ | Learn more about the symptoms, treatments, and impact of chronic pain. See how legal remedies may help if you are among the one in five Canadians suffering from this debilitating condition.

2. • Chronic pain is a condition that
affects as many as 1 in 5 Canadian
adults, with resulting costs in
extended medical care, reduced
quality of life, and often emotional
and psychological pain.1
• Generally defined as lasting longer
than three months,2 chronic pain
can vary in its level of severity,
duration, and the complex of
symptoms that result.
• Potential effects of uncontrolled
chronic pain are significant,
especially without treatment.
Evidence shows that it can
compromise immune function and
even promote tumor growth.1

3. • Chronic pain can strike many types of
people, but according to surveys by
Statistics Canada done in 1996, 1997,
and 2005, 38 percent of seniors living in
health-care institutions report chronic
pain, the majority of them women.2 In 64
percent of these cases, pain interferes
with daily activities.
• Another survey indicates that millions of
Canadians suffer with chronic pain every
day, 72 percent of them for more than 12
hours a day, even after trying multiple
treatments. The result is limited ability to
cope with daily activities, work, and family
relationships.3
• Many accident victims suffer chronic pain,
which can be part of a complex of after-
effects, including depression, anxiety,
sleep disorders, and post-traumatic
stress disorder.

4. • Chronic pain can be the result of
many different factors, from
physical to psychological. A few
common causes are found,
including:
• Post-operative pain that
becomes chronic after
many common surgical
procedures
• Musculoskeletal pain, such
as low back pain, herniated
discs and more
• Injuries from trauma, such
as auto accidents1
• RSD or Reflex Sympathetic
Dystrophy, also known as
CRPS, or Complex
Regional Pain Syndrome

5. • It is difficult to assess the reasons
for chronic pain. Diagnosis often
depends on patient reporting and
description of symptoms, and may
take years to understand and
resolve. Many patients are left with
a lifelong condition.
• One new study found that on
average, patients suffer chronic pain
for six years, and one in eight
people undergo pain for around 15
years.3 The same study showed that
72 percent have tried an average of
2.4 different treatments, yet remain
in pain.
• Personal injury leading to chronic
pain can be a life-changing event
that lasts for months or years.

6. • Many in the medical community
advocate for more
understanding and multi-
disciplinary approaches to pain
management. The complex
nature of pain requires a unique
approach to treatment for each
individual.
• Up to 30 percent of pain is
handled with medication,
according to one source,3 and
some patients report good
results with innovative
treatments like Trans Epidermal
Neurostimulation (TENS),
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS),
and a combination of physical
and sometimes psychological
therapy.
• Traditional and alternative
treatments can be used to
determine the most effective
combination for each individual,
from acupuncture to surgery.4

7. Individuals who find little relief from treatment or who lose hope of
improvement, may fall into other, related disorders. Some
common ones include:
• Depression – common symptoms include feelings of
helplessness and hopelessness, uncontrollable negative
thoughts, withdrawing from social interactions
• Sleep Disorder – characterized by difficulty falling and
staying asleep, irritability and sleepiness during the day,
impaired ability to concentrate, and more
• Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome –
symptoms include widespread symmetrical muscle pain,
progressive disability and fatigue, anxiety

8. • At times, litigation is required to obtain
damages for pain and suffering as the
result of an auto accident or other
personal injury event.
• Compensation may be due for loss of
income, impairment to daily functioning,
need for rehabilitation or home care,
and more.
• Legal representation can assist in
determining fault and making a claim.
An accident lawyer should provide
ongoing assistance to ensure that you
understand the laws governing your
situation.

9. Edson Legal, led by Barry Edson, has a 30-
year history of successfully representing
the disabled and injured for thousands of
accident and disability claims.
The Edson team takes pride in our
reputation for establishing many important
legal precedents, as well as recovering
millions of dollars in settlements and
payments for clients. We work on your
behalf to obtain the kind of rehabilitation
and treatment you need.
The right lawyer will help you obtain a fair
settlement or judgment, and ultimately, the
right compensation. Contact us for a free
consultation at www.edsonlegal.com, or call
now at 1-855-702-3119.

10. Sources
1.http://www.positivelivingbc.org/news/140918/dr-marla-battling-
chronic-pain
2. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/1-in-5-canadians-
struggles-with-chronic-pain-1.2622277
3. http://www.stockhouse.com/news/press-releases/2014/10/14/the-
canadian-pain-coalition-states-urgency-to-improve-chronic-pain-
awareness
4.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/spring11/article
s/spring11pg5-6.html