Chronic pain affects 8 million Canadians, yet remains overlooked. Learn how research, policy, and advocacy can drive real change.
Chronic pain affects one in five Canadians — roughly eight million people — yet remains largely overlooked. Unlike acute pain that gradually resolves, chronic pain persists for at least three months, causing noticeable disruption to one’s livelihood.
Alarmingly, chronic pain is now the leading driver of disability among Canadians, surpassing mental health.
The burden extends beyond personal suffering. Chronic pain impacts nearly every speciality within the health care system, from physicians to physiotherapists, and imposes a staggering economic cost. Dr. Hance Clarke, President of the Canadian Pain Society (CPS), stresses, “chronic pain is the largest health-related cost in Canada — surpassing cancer, HIV, and cardiovascular disease — reaching upwards of $60 billion annually.”
Despite Canada’s global leadership in pain initiatives, experts warn that a lack of integrated care and gaps in existing knowledge and policy persist. Addressing the chronic pain crisis will require a coordinated approach — one that unites health care providers, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience to reshape how pain is understood and treated.
The complex nature of chronic pain
Chronic pain may coexist with other conditions. Mental illness is estimated to impact between 40 to 60 percent of chronic pain sufferers. Substance abuse is another prevalent concern with opioids often being blamed for fueling addiction. This, however, is an oversimplification as Dr. Clarke explains, “we’ve reduced opioid prescriptions, yet the crisis persists because our systems inadequately address underlying factors — like pre-existing trauma — that drive people to seek medication for relief.”
Marginalized groups experience additional barriers to care. Women experience higher rates of pain yet endure longer diagnostic times than men. Children, despite having similar chronic pain prevalence as adults, may go untreated. Dr. Katie Birnie, Associate Scientific Director of Solutions for Kids in Pain, warns, “pain in children is often minimized, yet nearly two thirds of kids with chronic pain continue to experience the disease as adults, increasing their risk for mental health issues and socioeconomic disparities.”
The complexities of chronic pain underscore the importance of investing in research and policy to help build understanding and inform appropriate care responses.
Lessons from Canada’s veterans
An impactful example of dedicated pain research comes from the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans (CPCoE). Focused on improving the well-being of veterans — a community disproportionately impacted by chronic pain — the CPCoE represents Canada’s largest, ongoing investment in pain research.
The centre’s strength lies in its veteran-led approach. Dr. Abhimanyu Sud, Chief Scientific Officer of CPCoE, explains, “veterans determine the centre’s research priorities to ensure we’re supporting their responsive needs.” Benefits of the centre’s research have even extended beyond the veteran community. Dr. Sud notes, “our recommendations have informed improvements in healthcare delivery within systems used by both veterans and non-veteran civilians.”
A landmark gathering for chronic pain advocacy
This upcoming May 1st-4th, the CPS will host its 45th Annual Scientific Meeting at the University of Toronto. Anticipated to be one of the largest pain-focused gatherings in history, this meeting offers a vital opportunity to raise awareness and advance solutions in chronic pain care. Not only will clinicians and researchers be in attendance but government officials, policymakers, trainees, and individuals with lived experience are invited as well.
The meeting serves as a call to action. Dr. Birnie emphasizes that, “meaningful change happens when research, lived experience, and health systems work together.” The CPS encourages you to take an active role — purchase a ticket and join the conversation shaping Canada’s future in chronic pain care.
The Canadian Pain Society is providing a limited number of $100 tickets for members of the public that have lived experience with pain or are supporters of those individuals living with Pain. This ticket will provide access to the amazing speaker line up on Friday May 2nd, at Convocation Hall, a Canadian Pain Parade t-shirt and access to the family BBQ with food, live music, and more.
