Our Vision:
Is to assist the seven million Canadians who suffer from chronic pain. We are a not-for-profit patient advocacy group dealing with the issue of chronic pain, it’s effects and theraputic treatments. We advocate for modern research, therapies and results.
Chronic Pain Toronto is a 100% volunteer-based patient advocacy and support group. We work with patients, caregivers, family, employers and community resources. Chronic Pain Toronto does not recommend any one treatment, but rather supports the education and awareness of different options so that chronic pain patients and medical practitioners can make informed decisions.
We offer a range of options and resources including resources, consulting, medical referrals, initiatives and events. Your well-being and quality of life is the most important factor in our work. Our approach is comprehensive and confidential. We invite you to join us.
What is Chronic Pain?
Traditionally, all pain has been conceptualized as a symptom of disease or injury and it was assumed that once the disease was treated or the injury healed, the pain would resolve.
It is now recognized that approximately 10-15% of the time, pain persists beyond the time where normal healing should take place and becomes chronic.Chronic pain affects every aspect of a person’s life including their ability to work, their emotional, mental and physical health, as well as their relationships with family, friends and society. The general lack of understanding about the nature of pain results in the stigmatization of people living with chronic pain as malingerers and drug seekers.
19% of Canadians complain of moderate – severe pain daily or most days of the week
1 in 6 have constant pain
40% suffered from concurrent anxiety or depression
Workplace costs:
Among those Canadians with moderate or severe pain:
33% – lost a job because of their pain
47% – reduced job responsibilities because of their pain
on average lost $12,558 dollars in income over a one-year period because of their pain.
Work losses:$42 Billion / yr
Health Care:$11 Billion / yr
Total: $53 Billion / yr
