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Fighting back against chronic nerve pain: researchers get $295K to test combination therapy
March 9, 2016
During their war with cancer, it’s common for survivors to find themselves in a new battle with chronic nerve pain. Either damaged by the disease or the treatments used, some of their nerves start sending incorrect signals causing shooting, burning, tingling or numbing sensations. burning, tingling or numbing sensations. Standard painkillers often do not work well against nerve pain, and studies have suggested that a combination of psychological therapy and medication could be a more effective approach. Dr. Patricia Poulin recently received a $295K Quality of Life Research Grant from the Canadian Cancer Society to test whether an online mindfulness-based stress reduction program combined with medical treatment can reduce disability and improve quality of life among cancer survivors with chronic nerve pain. The randomized controlled trial will look at the effects of this combined treatment on stress levels and immune function compared to medical treatment alone.
Co-investigators:Tim Asmis, Cheryl Harris, John Kowal, Carrie Liska, Robin Morash, Howard Nathan, Roanne Segal, Cathy Smyth, Xinni Song, Monica Taljaard.
About The Ottawa Hospital
The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.
For further information, please contact
Jennifer Ganton
Director, Communications and Public Relations
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Office: 613-798-5555 x 73325
Cell: 613-614-5253
jganton@ohri.ca
