Minimizing the Harm Caused by Pain
The amount of suffering caused by pain is enormous. Prolonged pain impairs quality of life, demands constant attention, and drains sufferers and their families of vital energy. Life with chronic pain often deteriorates into a relentless search for relief.
Dr. Joel Katz, Canada Research Chair in Health psychology, is seeking ways to minimize the intensity of acute pain in patients after surgery.
Katz is also researching how painkillers can help avoid the transition from acute pain to chronic pain. He is examining how painkillers may reduce the intensity of pain and minimize the chances of developing chronic post-surgical pain.
In addition, Katz is studying pain in infants, children and adults to identify biological, psychological, and social risk and protective factors that predict the transition of acute pain to chronic pain after surgery, injury and accidents.
His research will make significant contributions to understanding pain and in improving pain management.