Evidence on Pain Management

You’ll find our best evidence on the management of pain. We’ll be updating this Evidence Bundle regularly with more evidence, including rapid evidence reviews (Rapid Response Reports), Environmental Scans, Horizon Scans, and our larger Optimal Use projects with expert recommendations, as they are completed.

We’ve selected the following materials to get you started:

Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the Management of Chronic NonCancer Pain: A Summary of a Health Technology Assessment (Tool, November 9, 2022)
Models of Care for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Summary of the Research on Stepped Care and Hub-and-Spoke Models (Tool, October 14, 2022)
Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain (Health Technology Assessment, October 3, 2022
Pre-Surgical Screening Tools and Risk Factors for Chronic Post-Surgical Pain: A Summary (Tool, May 30, 2022)
Stepped Care Models for Chronic Pain (Technology Review, May 30, 2022)
Pre-Surgical Screening Tools and Risk Factors for Chronic Post-Surgical Pain (Technology Review, May 17, 2022)
Hub-and-Spoke Models of Care for Chronic Pain (Technology Review, May 2, 2022)

In this Bundle

Acute Pain - Pharmacological Treatments

Gabapentin for Adults With Neuropathic Pain: A Review
A summary of five CADTH reports, published between 2014 and 2018, on gabapentin for neuropathic pain.
Guidelines Regarding Split Dosing of Opioids for Patients in Hospital
(Reference List, June 20, 2022)
Patient-Controlled Analgesia in the Emergency Department
(Summary of Abstracts, September 27, 2021)
Medications Containing Low-dose Codeine for the Treatment of Pain and Coughs
(Rapid Review, August 20, 2021)
Codeine for Pain Related to Caesarean Section: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, March 3, 2021)
Codeine for Acute Dental Pain and Acute Pain Related to Dental Procedures
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, March 3, 2021)
Tailored Opioid Prescribing After Gynecologic Surgery: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, January 27, 2021)
Intravenous Fentanyl Patient Controlled Analgesia for Patients in Labour: A Qualitative Reference List
(Reference List, November 2, 2020)
Capsaicin for Acute or Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Safety, and Cost-Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, July 13, 2020)
Capsaicin for Acute or Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Review of Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, June 29, 2020)
Methoxyflurane for Acute Pain: Clinical Effectiveness
(Reference List, May 25, 2020)
Codeine for Acute Pain for Urological or General Surgery Patients: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, December 2, 2019)
Codeine for Acute Pain in Patients Undergoing Orthopedic Surgery: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, October 29, 2019)
Timing of Pain Reassessment Post-Pharmacological Treatment Administration in Hospitals: Guidelines
(Reference List, August 2, 2019)

Acute Pain – Physical, Psychological, and Multidisciplinary Treatments

External Supports for the Treatment of Ankle Sprain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, May 7, 2020)
Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, April 27, 2020)
Exercise for the Treatment of Ankle Sprain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, April 13, 2020)
Multidisciplinary Pain Consult Teams for Acute Care in Hospitals: Clinical Utility and Cost-Effectiveness
(Summary of Abstracts, August 16, 2019)
Multidisciplinary Treatment Programs for Patients with Acute or Subacute Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, May 7, 2019)

Chronic Pain - Multidisciplinary Treatments

Stepped Care Models for Chronic Pain
(Technology Review, May 30, 2022)
Hub-and-Spoke Models of Care for Chronic Pain
(Technology Review, May 2, 2022)
Experiences of Models of Chronic Pain Care: A Qualitative Review
(Reference List, March 14, 2022)
Models of Care for Chronic Pain: An Environmental Scan
(Environmental Scan, April 12, 2021)
Pain Management Programs for Pediatric Patients with Chronic Pain Conditions: Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness
(Summary of Abstracts, July 16, 2020)
Pain Management Programs for Pediatric Patients with Chronic Pain Conditions: Clinical Effectiveness, Cost Effectiveness, and Guidelines
(Summary of Abstracts, March 23, 2020)
Multidisciplinary Treatment Programs for Patients with Chronic Non-Malignant Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-effectiveness, and Guidelines – An Update
Short on time? Read the In Brief.
Tiered Care for Chronic Non-Malignant Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, February 12, 2019)

Chronic Pain - Pharmacological Treatments

Gabapentin for Adults With Neuropathic Pain: A Review
A summary of five CADTH reports, published between 2014 and 2018, on gabapentin for neuropathic pain.
Post Discharge Outcomes Following Intravenous Acetaminophen Treatment in Acute Care Settings
(Summary of Abstracts, April 27, 2021)
Topical Anesthetics for Minor Dermatological Procedures
(Summary of Abstracts, April 23, 2021)
Stellate Ganglion Block for the Treatment Pain
(Reference List, January 26, 2021)
Pain Management in the Emergency Department and Upon Discharge
(Summary of Abstracts, January 11, 2021)
Intrathecal Dexamethasone for Chronic Pain and Spinal Stenosis: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Summary of Abstracts, December 14, 2020)
Codeine for Pain Related to Osteoarthritis of the Knee and Hip: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, December 14, 2020)
Intravenous Fentanyl Patient Controlled Analgesia for Patients in Labour: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, September 28, 2020)
Capsaicin for Acute or Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Safety, and Cost-Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, July 13, 2020)
Capsaicin for Acute or Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Review of Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, June 29, 2020)
Acetaminophen for Chronic Pain in Pediatric Populations: Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary of Abstracts, June 8, 2020)
Ketamine for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, June 2, 2020)
Antidepressants for Chronic Pain in Pediatric Populations: Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary of Abstracts, May 25, 2020)
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Chronic Pain in Pediatric Populations: Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary of Abstracts, May 7, 2020)
Gabapentinoids for Chronic Pain in Pediatric Populations: Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary of Abstracts, May 6, 2020)
Pharmacological Interventions for Chronic Pain in Pediatric Patients: A Review of Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, May 5, 2020)
Injectable Botulinum Toxin for Pelvic Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, August 22, 2019)
Medical Cannabis for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, July 24, 2019)
Emerging Non-Opioid Drugs for the Treatment of Pain
(Environmental Scan, February 16, 2018)
Nabilone for Chronic Pain Management: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, August 9, 2017)

Chronic Pain - Physical Treatments

Therapeutic Mattresses for Chronic Pain
(Rapid Review, April 6, 2022)
Custom-Made Foot Orthotics for People with Lower Limb Conditions
(Rapid Review, February 18, 2022)
Orthopedic Footwear for People With Lower-Limb Conditions
(Rapid Review, January 24, 2022)
Massage Therapy for Musculoskeletal Pain
(Summary of Abstracts, November 10, 2021)
Thermal Radiofrequency Neurotomy for the Treatment of Back Pain: Clinical Effectiveness and Safety – a 2020 Update
(Reference List, June 22, 2020)
Customized or Prefabricated Shoe Inserts for Chronic, Non-Cancer Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, April 20, 2020)
Anti-inflammatory Diets for Chronic, Non-Cancer Pain: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, April 13, 2020)
Body Weight Modification Interventions for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, March 31, 2020)
Orthotic Bracing or Splinting of Upper Extremities in Patients with Chronic, Non-Cancer Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, March 2, 2020)
Manual Therapy for Persistent, Non-Cancer Back and Neck Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, March 2, 2020)
Body Weight Modification Interventions for Chronic, Non-Cancer Pain: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, February 24, 2020)
Orthotic Bracing or Splinting of the Lower Extremities and Spine in Patients with Chronic, Non-Cancer Pain: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, February 24, 2020)
Sleep Interventions for Chronic, Non-Cancer Pain: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, February 24, 2020)
Customized or Prefabricated Shoe Inserts for Chronic, Non-Cancer Pain: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, February 18, 2020)
Activity Pacing Interventions for Chronic, Non-Cancer Pain: Clinical Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, February 17, 2020)
Physical Activity for Chronic Osteoarthritic Knee Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, February 17, 2020)
Exercise for Chronic, Non-Cancer Back Pain: A Review of Cost-Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, November 12, 2019)
Acupuncture for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost Effectiveness and Guidelines
Short on time? Read the In Brief.
Physical Activity for Chronic Non-Cancer Knee Pain: Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, October 22, 2019)
Aerobic Exercise for Chronic Non-Cancer Back Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, October 16, 2019)
Physical Therapist-Led Physical Activity for Chronic, Non-Cancer Knee Pain: Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, October 15, 2019)
Manual Therapy for Persistent or Chronic Non-Specific Back Pain: Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, October 8, 2019)
Strength-based Exercise for Chronic Non-Cancer Back Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, September 27, 2019)
Manual Therapy for Persistent or Chronic Non-Specific Neck Pain: Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Reference List, September 24, 2019)
Mindfulness Training and Yoga for the Management of Chronic Non-malignant Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, September 20, 2019)
Yoga for Chronic Non-Malignant Pain Management: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness and Guidelines
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, July 8, 2019)

Chronic Pain - Psychological Therapies

Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Non-Cancer Pain
(Optimal Use, October 3, 2022)
Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Chronic Pain: Clinical Effectiveness
(Reference List, December 15, 2020)
Mindfulness Training and Yoga for the Management of Chronic Non-malignant Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness and Cost-effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, September 20, 2019)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, September 16, 2019)
Mindfulness Training for Chronic Non-malignant Pain Management: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-effectiveness and Guidelines
Short on time? Read the In Brief.

Other Reports

Virtual Clinical Assessments for Adults With Back Pain
(Reference List, June 24, 2022)
Pre-Surgical Screening Tools and Risk Factors for Chronic Post-Surgical Pain
(Technology Review, May 17, 2022)
Acute Pain and Function Assessment Tools for Patients Undergoing Surgery
(Summary of Abstracts, June 16, 2021)
Transitional Pain Services for Patients Undergoing Surgery
(Summary of Abstracts, June 3, 2021)
Confocal Microscopy for Diagnosis and Management of Neuropathic Corneal Pain
(Summary of Abstracts, May 6, 2021)
Lidocaine Infusions for Palliative Care Patients with Cancer Pain
(Reference List, April 26, 2021)
Screening Tools for Chronic Postsurgical Pain: A Review of Clinical Utility
(Summary with Critical Appraisal, January 15, 2021)
Drug Deactivation Devices for Disposal of Pain Medications: Clinical Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Guidelines
(Summary of Abstracts, December 7, 2020)
Canada’s Opioid Crisis: Delivering Robust Evidence to Guide Our Response
(Report, May 29, 2017)

Tools and Resources

Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for the Management of Chronic NonCancer Pain: A Summary of a Health Technology Assessment
(Tools, October 19, 2022)
Models of Care for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Summary of the Research on Stepped Care and Hub-and-Spoke Models
(Tools, October 14, 2022)
Pre-Surgical Screening Tools and Risk Factors for Chronic Post-Surgical Pain: A Summary
(Tools, May 30, 2022)
Assessing and Managing Chronic Non-Cancer Pain
(Tools, November 30, 2021)
Infographic: Models of Care for Chronic Pain
(Tools, August 30, 2021)
Codeine for Pain: A Synopsis of the Evidence
A summary of the evidence (based on a number of CADTH reviews) on codeine for pain.
In Brief: Models of Care for Chronic Pain
( ES0350-000, June 23, 2021)
Non-Opioid Options for Managing Pain
To help support decisions about managing pain, CADTH has been reviewing the evidence on different treatment options for various types of pain. Here, you’ll find the highlights of many of these evidence reviews.
Acute Pain Management: Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Over the last few years, CADTH has been asked to review, the clinical effectiveness evidence and the recommendations from evidence-based guidelines for treating various acute pain conditions with non-pharmacological interventions. Here, you’ll find the evidence highlights related to those evidence reviews.
Non-Drug Ways to Manage Chronic Pain
Resources for people living with chronic pain and resources for clinicians.
Physical Activity for Chronic Pain: A Synopsis of the Evidence
(Tools, July 28, 2020)
In Brief: Acupuncture for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: A Review
(Tools, February 5, 2020)
In Brief: Mindfulness Training for Chronic Non-malignant Pain Management: A Review
(Tools, September 27, 2019)
In Brief: Multidisciplinary Treatment Programs for Patients With Chronic Non-Malignant Pain: An Update of a Review
(Tools, September 18, 2019)
Opioid Prescribing and Pain Management: Prescription Monitoring Program Overview and the Management of Acute Low Back Pain
CADTH partnered with the New Brunswick Department of Health, New Brunswick Medical Society, and Choosing Wisely New Brunswick to create this module on opioid prescribing. The module provides an overview of the New Brunswick Prescription Monitoring Program and addresses the management of acute low back pain.
Research Gaps: Chronic Pain Management: Pharmacologic Treatments (Non-Opioids)
(Tools, September 3, 2018)
Research Gaps: Opioids for the Treatment of Pain
(Tools, September 3, 2018)
Research Gaps: Chronic Pain Management: Non-Pharmacologic Treatments
(Tools, September 3, 2018)
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic pain: A breath of new life for an old technology?
Hospital News Article
2017 Canadian Guideline for Opioids for Chronic Pain
Guidelines from the Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre at McMaster University and funded by Health Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Webinars

Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: The Science of Mindfulness
(Webinar, November 1, 2019)
Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: Acupuncture
(Webinar, March 30, 2020)
Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Chronic Non-Cancer Pain: Physical Activity
(Webinar, September 23, 2020)
Pain Management & Gabapentinoids
(Webinar, March 12, 2019)