Chronic Pain
Chronic Disabilities
PAIN that never goes away or lasts beyond the usual time for recovery, is said to be chronic.
There are several different types of chronic pain (ie Fibromyalgia Syndrome) and chronic fatigue (ie Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) many of which are not fully understood.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can be associated with an illness or disability. Some types of chronic pain are triggered by an accident. Others may start as acute episodes but then the pain becomes constant over time, such as low back pain. Some types of chronic pain ( ie migraine headaches) the pain is recurrent versus constant. There are many other kinds of chronic pain, such as chronic post surgical pain, fibromyalgia, temporomandibular disorders, etc. While in some cases the cause of pain is known, in many other cases it is not clear why pain persists.
About one in ten Canadians has chronic pain.
Chronic pain affects both sexes and while it is most common in middle age, it can occur at any age. Chronic pain can make simple movements hurt, disrupt sleep, and reduce energy. It can impair work, social, recreational, and household activities. People who have been injured in accidents may develop anxiety symptoms as well as pain. Chronic pain can have a negative impact on financial security, and can provoke alcohol or drug abuse. It can disrupt marital and family relationships.
As no one can see the pain, people who experience chronic pain often feel alone in their suffering. Some people find that the legitimacy of their pain is questioned. Given the impact pain can have on quality of life, it is no surprise that more than a quarter of all people who develop chronic pain also experience significant depression or anxiety.
Chronic Fatigue
M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) /CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrom) is an acquired complex and debilitating disorder characterized by profound fatigue and cognitive problems. The condition is not improved by bed rest and worsens with physical and mental exertion.
M.E./CFS is a physiological illness, involving neurological endocrinal dysfunction and immune system dysregulation with the involvement of the autonomic nervous system.
There is documented objective evidence in the medical literature of an underlying biological disorder. The symptoms can vary in intensity with each individual. For many, the illness may cause negative social and economic consequences and often results in long-term disability.
Adding to the distress of M.E./CFS sufferers has been the polarization among the medical community as to the authenticity of M.E./CFS. This has caused needless difficulties for many in the M.E./CFS community, as M.E./CFS is an authentic physiological illness.
Content provided by:
The Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Association of Ontario
Compensation for Chronic Disabilities
There are several options to obtain medical support and financial compensation for people who suffer from chronic pain.
If chronic pain is triggered by a motor vehicle accident , you are entitled to obtain any private rehabilitation treatment from your accident benefits insurer and if someone caused accident, you might have a tort claim which entitles you to pain and suffering and loss of income.
Should you have private coverage from work you can make a claim for both short and long term disability.
Should you have any questions about your rights relating to these issues, please contact one of our personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
Additional Resources
What is Chronic Pain ?
What is Chronic Fatigue ?
What is Fibromyalgia ?