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For people injured in California
In this section:
Introduction to Treatment

 

There are two models of treatment: Bio-medical approach and Self-management approach.

 

Bio-medical approach

In acute pain, the doctor provides treatment and the patient receives it. This is a passive model of treatment. E.g. when a broken bone needs to be fixed or when you need immediate surgery.

 

It works great for acute pain, but that has not been proven as effective for chronic pain. 

 

Self-management approach

This has proven to be the most effective model for chronic pain. Physicians educate the patient about their condition and suggest management options. The physician is the advisor and the guide, and the patient takes an active role in managing the chronic pain. This allows the patient to feel empowered and in control of not just the pain, but the overall situation as well.

 

Seeing this connection between our thoughts, brain, and immune system offers us control over our health and our pain. 

Introduction to Treatment

Self management approach is based on the foundation of bio-psycho-social model of chronic pain. It takes the whole person into consideration.

 

Treatment options available under the umbrella of DWC:

DWC provides the best treatment options that have been researched and proven by Evidence Based Medicine, (EBM).

 

Treatment of acute injuries typically falls within ACOEM Guidelines:

 

Treatment of chronic pain falls is covered under MTUS Guidelines

 

If physicians want to recommend treatment that is outside of these Guidelines, they have to provide research or other Guidelines that support their recommendations.

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