A new study reported in the Globe and Mail found that more than half of Canadians who recently experienced “moderate to severe pain” did not seek medical treatment. And a substantial number decided to self-medicate with alcohol or illegal drugs.

Now, depending on your experience with pain, this may or not may not come as a surprise. Personally, I really appreciate the folks who are just so darned proud that they’re “strong enough” that they don’t need medications for whatever ails them. They’re real gems, now aren’t they?  I’m thinking that they’ve never experienced a migraine, or suffered a broken bone or a ….
I tend to operate under the wisdom of my beloved and now deceased grandmother, who subscribed to the thinking: why suffer if there’s something that can treat the pain.

Fortunately, right now I have a family doctor who is tenacious when it comes to understanding and treating pain. But that hasn't always been the case. And let’s face it, when you’re in pain you’re often also exhausted and perseverance takes energy. At those times, I’ve found it effective to have someone close accompany me when meeting with a health care professional. I’ve also served in that role for some of my dearest friends. So don’t give up. If you’re in pain, seek answers.