What is Chronic Pain Syndrome?
Most common injuries are expected to heal in three to six months. When a person is still suffering after six months, the term Chronic Pain is usually given to describe the suffering. Chronic pain is difficult to live with as it affects every aspect of your well being.
Although chronic pain is usually associated with whiplash or other serious injuries, chronic pain may also result from less severe injuries. Chronic pain may not be present every single day. The ICBC adjuster may try to convince you that because you are not in severe pain on a daily basis that your injuries are not serious and will resolve in the short term. Chronic pain is very serious, and healing from this injury is often slow. The diagnosis that you receive and the treatments that you follow are two very important factors that will affect your outcome.
Symptoms of Chronic Pain Syndrome
The symptoms of chronic pain vary but usually include dull or sharp aches and a burning sensation. Chronic pain can be very disruptive to your life, disturbing your sleep, reducing your energy level and decreasing your productivity, and limiting your ability to enjoy recreational activities. Thus, the quality of your life can suffer substantially as a result of chronic pain. Although it is difficult to establish the existence and extent of your pain using medical imaging techniques such as x-rays or MRIs, your suffering is nonetheless real. All of this can lead to emotional suffering since some people may choose not to believe you – potentially leading to depression or anxiety. Psychological stress can amplify the pain, leading to a vicious cycle.
Chronic Pain must be properly diagnosed in order for you to maintain access to your treatments. ICBC may try to restrict or even terminate your benefits. This can have a lasting negative impact on your life. If you do suffer from chronic pain it is important that you seek out legal advice.