As we recognize International Self-Care Day on July 24, it’s an ideal time to reflect on how organizations can better support those living with chronic pain - starting with how we assess it.
Chronic pain affects more than just the individual - it impacts families, workplaces, and the healthcare and insurance systems that support them. For employers, insurers, and legal professionals navigating the complexities of chronic pain claims, Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) play a vital role in ensuring outcomes that are fair, objective, and rooted in medical evidence.
Understanding Chronic Pain in the Context of IMEs
Chronic pain is typically defined as pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer, even after the initial injury or illness has resolved. It can affect virtually any part of the body and is often accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, depression, or anxiety - making it particularly complex to evaluate.
For businesses, insurers, and legal teams, the challenge lies in validating these claims in a fair and consistent way - without dismissing or overstating the impact on function or quality of life.
How NYRC Approaches Chronic Pain Assessments
At NYRC, we conduct chronic pain assessments across a range of disciplines, including:
- Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Pain Medicine
- Psychiatry & Psychology
- Neurology
- Orthopaedics
Each IME is conducted by a medical specialist with experience in chronic pain, using a combination of medical records review, clinical evaluation, and functional analysis. The result is a comprehensive, unbiased report that addresses:
- Diagnosis and prognosis
- Functional limitations- Treatment recommendations
- Causality
- Return-to-work readiness or restrictions
Our focus is always on clarity, objectivity, and actionable insight - especially when the subjective nature of chronic pain makes it harder to assess.
Chronic Pain by the Numbers
- An estimated 1 in 5 Canadians lives with chronic pain.
- Chronic pain is one of the leading causes of long-term disability claims.
- 50% of workers with chronic pain report their condition impacts their job performance.
According to the Canadian Pain Task Force, early and consistent access to care improves outcomes and reduces time away from work.
From IME to Self-Care: The Role of Employers and Insurers
While an IME helps establish an accurate medical understanding, recovery doesn't end with the report. International Self-Care Day is a timely reminder that organizations have a role to play in promoting recovery through:
- Supportive return-to-work programs
- Flexible accommodations based on medical recommendations
- Access to mental health resources
- Education around pain management and self-care strategies
Supporting employee recovery isn’t just good ethics - it’s good business. A collaborative, informed approach reduces friction in the claims process, promotes trust, and ultimately leads to better long-term outcomes.
The NYRC Difference
With over 30 years of experience, NYRC provides trusted, high-quality IMEs that support all parties - employers, legal teams, insurers, and individuals - with the clarity needed to move forward.
Our assessments help ensure that chronic pain claims are understood, validated, and resolved based on evidence - not assumption.
Looking for a trusted partner in chronic pain assessments?
Contact us to learn more about our nationwide network of medical experts.
