What does COVID-19 mean for the Pain Management Program? This guide includes resources to help you to self-manage your pain. Learn more about the following during COVID-19: • How to access services in the pain program • Our approach to treating chronic pain • Accessing food • Strategies to manage self-isolation • Living with worry • Mental health information and supports • Crisis prevention •Exercising with chronic pain • Medication information

What is spasticity and how is it typically treated? Spasticity is a neuromuscular condition in which there is an abnormal increase in muscle tone, making the affected body parts stiff and difficult to move. Spasticity is a symptom associated with damage to the brain and/or spinal cord through conditions such as stroke, brain trauma or tumour, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, etc. The presentation of spasticity can range from mild and barely noticeable to very bothersome, which can interfere with daily functioning, hygiene and comfort. Botulinum toxin...

A booklet for people who are considering quitting or drinking less alcohol

This is a handout to explain how Amitriptyline treats pain by increasing the concentrations of chemical messengers in the nervous system to reduce the pain messages arriving in the brain. The pain is usually described as burning, tingling, shooting, or numb. This medication can be used to treat fibromyalgia and prevent migraine headaches.

A booklet for people who take a benzodiazepine regularly for anxiety

Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is a government funding program. It pays up to 75% of some mobility devices. For more about this program, visit: www.health.gov.on.ca/adp. To qualify for the program you must meet the following criteria: Valid Ontario Health Card. Have a physical disability

Autonomic dysreflexia (AD) is a dangerous rise in blood pressure that can happen after spinal cord injury. It affects people who have a spinal injury at level T6 or above. AD happens when you have pain or discomfort in the areas of your body that have no feeling. The most common cause of AD is a full bowel or bladder. When you have AD, you have other signs and symptoms at the same time. If you have these symptoms, you need to fix the problem right away. AD is a medical emergency. If not treated, it can cause stroke, heart attack, seizure, and death.

Bladder infections are one of the most common health issues after spinal cord injury. A bladder infection is also called a urinary tract infection (UTI). This is because the bladder is part of your urinary tract. Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, urethra, and ureters.

When you do intermittent catheterization (IC), you need to empty your bladder on a schedule. The timing of your next IC will depend on how much urine you had during your last IC.

After a spinal cord injury, the muscles that help you breathe and cough can be weak. Breath stacking improves breathing and coughing by helping remove mucous from your lungs. Getting mucous out of your lungs helps prevent lung collapse and infections like pneumonia. Having a healthy lung volume improves oxygen, helps you speak louder, and reduces breathing problems.

A booklet for people taking opioids for chronic pain.

A booklet for people thinking about starting medical cannabis.

Getting into a car can be a challenging transfer. At first, you might need one or two people to help. The amount of help you need depends on the height of the car and your skill. With practice, some people learn to transfer alone. Always practice transfers with your therapist before trying alone.