Overview
You are not alone
Many people living with chronic pain can feel isolated and fearful. Moving toward a fuller, more rewarding life is a journey.
Learn about the journey from "patient" to "person" and then explore our UCPC Chronic Pain Toolkit, at your own pace, to find resources to support you.
Resources in this toolkit may not express or reflect exact information that may be given to you by your UCPC pharmacist based on your unique needs. These resources are for general purposes and are not necessarily relevant to all situations.
For people living with chronic non-cancer pain, it is most helpful to use a variety of strategies to help with managing the pain.
Our UCPC team specializes in helping people get the most out of their medications, but medications are only one part of the solution and need to be combined with other therapies.
The six parts of chronic pain management are:
- Self-management programs
- Physical activity
- Physical therapies
- Psychological therapies
- Pharmacologic options (medications)
- Specialist/multidisciplinary clinic referral (if available)
Need help now?
If you are in a mental health crisis, call 911 or your local crisis hotline found below.
Online Directory of Mental Health Emergency/Crisis Hotlines
A complete and up-to-date directory of general crisis counselling, mobile crisis units throughout the province, suicide prevention lines, and domestic violence services. Never hesitate to call if you are in a crisis, or if your life or someone else’s is in danger.
Saskatchewan Suicide Prevention Website
Suicide can be tough to talk about. Help is available 24/7 if you or your friends want to talk to someone.
24-Hour Crisis Line - 24/7
Phone: 306-244-2224
Saskatoon Mobile Crisis - 24/7
Phone: (306) 933-6200
Regina Mobile Crisis Services - 24/7
Phone: (306) 757-0127
Suicide Hotline: (306) 525-5333
Central Saskatchewan West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre
Phone: (306) 463-6655 (Mon-Fri 9am–5pm)
Phone: (306) 933-6200 (After hours)
North Saskatchewan Piwapan Women’s Centre Crisis Line – 24/7
Phone: (306) 425-4090
Prince Albert Mobile Crisis Unit - Mon-Fri 4:00PM – 8:00AM, Sat-Sun 24h
Phone: (306) 764-1011
Southwest Saskatchewan Southwest Crisis Services – 24/7
Phone: 1 (800) 567-3334
Crisis Services Canada – Suicide Prevention and Support - 24/7
Phone: (416) 915-4566
Toll Free: 1 (833) 456-4566
Sexual Assault Main Office
Phone: (306) 244-2294
Self-Management Programs and Workshops
Online Self-Management Resources
Mobile Apps
YouTube Videos
Podcasts
Books
Many of the recommended books in this toolkit are available to borrow from Saskatchewan Libraries for free.
Mental Health
If you are in a mental health crisis, call 911 or your local crisis hotline in the Need help now? section above.
Movement and Exercise
- Chronic Pain and Exercise Fact Sheet ("The 50% Guideline")
- Non-drugs Ways to Manage Chronic Pain (CADTH)
- Physiocanhelp.ca
- Saskatchewan Physiotherapy Association
- NeuroSask: Active and Connected
- SHA Physical Therapy Services (Saskatoon and Area)
- Reachout! Virtual Peer Group - Home Workout
- DoYogaWithMe.com
- Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program (Saskatoon)
- Leisure Centres and Registered Community Programs
Medication and Complementary Therapies Info
- Government of Saskatchewan Health Benefits Coverage Webpage
- Hamilton Health Sciences Michael G. Degroote Pain Clinic Patient Resources
- Opioid Wisely (Choosing Wisely Canada)
- Structured Opioid Therapy Infographic
- Information About Naloxone for Opioid Overdose
- About Herbs Database
- About Mind-Body Therapies Database
- MedSask Consumer Line
- RxFiles Patient Information Booklets
Nutrition Information
Peer Support and Community Engagement
Print-ready Toolkit
If you have any questions or comments about the tools and resources listed in this toolkit, speak with your UCPC pharmacist.
If you would like to suggest a new section or specific resource, contact taylor.raiche@usask.came
Download a pdf copy for print.