Chronic Pain in Primary Care: A Practical Guide to What Works (and What Does Not)
Résumé
Chronic non-cancer pain is a leading driver of disability worldwide. It is defined as pain persisting beyond normal tissue healing time (>3 months). Chronic pain is among the most prevalent conditions encountered in primary care. An estimated 7.6 million people, approximately 1 in 5, live with chronic pain. Pain affects many aspects of a person’s life, including their ability to work, attend school ,and participate in family and community life.
Although multiple treatment options are available for the management of chronic pain, it is one of the most complex and difficult conditions to treat. Even with optimal treatment, complete alleviation of pain is not a realistic treatment goal. For most patients, the goals focus on minimizing suffering and maximizing functionality. Management is further complicated by the heterogeneity of chronic pain, as its sources can vary and therefore require different treatment options.
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© Canadian Primary Care Today 2026
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