Chronic Pain
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Navigating Complex Health Conditions
While most individuals typically see their family physician once a year for their annual check-up, there are also a large number of Canadians that will need to make recurring visits to their doctor’s office as a result of having complex and multifactorial health conditions. While many health conditions, such as the common cold or flu are easily treatable, there are others that don’t have a single genetic cause, therefore oftentimes making them difficult to diagnose and treat, leaving the patient feeling vulnerable and frustrated – and, as a result, the patient can sometimes develop mood and mental health related changes, and even social isolation – something that hasn’t been uncommon…
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Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a complex and chronic inflammatory condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. As a physician, it’s essential for me to break down this condition into digestible pieces so that you, as a patient, can understand what you’re dealing with and how to manage it effectively. At its core, SpA refers to a cluster of chronic inflammatory diseases that share common features, both clinically and genetically. These conditions typically manifest with pain and stiffness primarily affecting the back but can also involve other areas of the body, such as the knees, hips, eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. Central to understanding SpA is recognizing its immune-mediated nature.…
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National Pain Awareness Week
National Pain Awareness Week in Canada, which spans from November 5th to 11th, serves as a poignant reminder of the pervasive issue of pain in our society. This week is dedicated to raising awareness about the various types of pain, their impact on individuals, and the importance of effective pain management strategies. Pain, a complex and subjective experience, affects a multitude of Canadians, influencing their quality of life, ability to work, and social relationships. It is broadly categorized into three common types: Acute pain, chronic pain, and neuropathic pain. Acute pain acts as an alarm, indicating potential or actual tissue damage. It is often a sharp sensation – for instance,…
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Understanding the Complexity of Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a medical disorder characterized by chronic widespread pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, memory issues, and tenderness in specific areas. Despite its prevalence, it remains one of the most enigmatic conditions in the medical community. This article will delve deep into what fibromyalgia is, the populations most affected, potential causes, and the treatment options available. What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system. Patients with this condition often experience pain throughout their body, along with other symptoms like fatigue, cognitive disturbances, and sleep issues. This pain is often described as a constant dull ache that lasts for at least three months. For a…
