The Art and Science of Chronic Pain Diagnosis & Management for Chiropractors

Chronic pain affects 20-25% of the North American population, posing a significant burden on the healthcare system and costing billions of dollars annually. Healthcare professionals are increasingly called upon to address this challenge and alleviate the strain on federal, state, and local resources. Managing chronic pain patients can often feel overwhelming and frustrating, especially when traditional treatments fall short. This course is designed to enhance clinical skills in assessment and treatment of persistent pain. Learners will gain the tools and confidence needed to effectively assess and treat patients with chronic pain, and apply these strategies immediately in clinical practice.

• •Identify and differentiate between acute, subacute, and chronic pain presentations using evidence-based diagnostic frameworks
• •Apply comprehensive assessment protocols to evaluate physical, psychological, and social factors contributing to chronic pain
• •Develop individualized treatment plans incorporating manual therapy, exercise prescription, and patient education strategies
• •Recognize red flags and contraindications to chiropractic care in chronic pain patients, including appropriate referral criteria
• •Implement evidence-based pain management techniques that reduce patient frustration and improve clinical outcomes
• •Demonstrate competency in patient communication and behavioral strategies to address pain catastrophizing and improve compliance
• •Evaluate treatment effectiveness using validated outcome measures and adjust clinical approaches based on patient progress