The rationale for the Certificate in Interdisciplinary Pain Management

The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 stated that the high prominence of pain and pain-related diseases and disorders is the foremost cause of disability and disease burden globally. Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a global condition that has a significant impact on the lives of those individuals suffering from pain-related symptoms. Chronic pain (CP) physiological mechanisms are complex and necessitate a complete biopsychosocial approach to management, and therefore the need for an interdisciplinary approach. There are currently very few courses, globally, that facilitate interdisciplinary pain management learning, hence the need for this certificate program at UTMB which embraces an interdisciplinary learning model surrounding pain science. In addition, the online format for this course crosses geographical barriers and allows further access to individuals wishing to learn more about interdisciplinary pain science including pain management.