Putting together a pain plan

Dealing with chronic pain is not the same as an injury or illness that is not ongoing. You'll want to look into, and use, a variety of treatments and resources as part of an overall plan.

1. Use hospital resources: Contact the physical therapy department at your local hospital to see what therapies or classes it offers.
2. Visit a wellness centre: Wellness centres vary, but you're apt to find a range of services, programs, and classes, such as massage therapy, naturopathic medicine, chiropractic, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, fitness programs, and nutritional counselling.
3. Consult your pharmacist: Most of us think the men and women behind the glass partitions simply fill our vials. But pharmacists — doctors of pharmacy — have six years of training about medications. They're a great resource for answering your questions about drugs, their effectiveness, and any drug interactions. They can also advise you about over-the-counter drugs.
4. Do your research: Just because some studies have shown that acupuncture can be helpful for pain, that doesn't mean it will be helpful for your kind of pain. Before you spend time and money on therapy, research what it is effective for, how to find a reputable therapist, and how much time and money you should expect to spend.
5. Find providers through accrediting agencies. Massage therapists, for instance, are accredited provincially. By going to the provincial websites, you can find out what credentials you should be looking for when you choose a therapist. Likewise, many specialty-based schools (naturopathic college, counselling degree programs, etc.) will have links on their websites, or be able to direct you to professionals who have graduated from their programs.
6. Let your doctor know your plans. Tell him about any additional therapies you are thinking of trying. It's possible that some could work against what you're already doing, or not be right for your condition. Your physician may also be able to offer referrals to reputable practitioners.