AHS launching online chronic pain program

By Medicine Hat News on December 16, 2020.

An online program will be launched next month by Alberta Health Services to help those dealing with chronic pain.

The program, called Explain Pain, is a series of seven classes provided free of charge via Zoom. It is appropriate for adults who have been experiencing chronic pain for three months or longer.

The online classes mean participants can do so from the comfort of their own home.

The first three classes provide an update on new findings in the realms of neuroscience and chronic pain, and address questions such as why there could be pain flare-ups on certain days, why pain tolerance varies and what role the brain plays when it comes to pain.

The final set of classes provides patients with practical tools to manage their pain.

Explain Pain has been designed as a precursor to the chronic pain workshops offered regularly by the Better Choices, Better Health program. Better Choices, Better Health works with participants to develop action plans that help those with chronic pain build movement into their lives in practical ways.

The Explain Pain, classes on Zoom are about 90 minutes long and take place on Thursday afternoons. The first class is on Jan. 14 and runs through to Feb. 25. There will be opportunities for one-on-one discussions with a registered nurse.

If you would like additional information or to register, call 403-529-8969 or 1-866-795-9709.