Can We Prevent Chronic Pain Before It Starts? Chronic pain often develops after surgery or injury, but researchers are finding new ways to stop it before it takes hold. At the University of Toronto, clinicians are leading international trials testing treatments like lidocaine infusions during surgery and high-dose vitamin C supplements to reduce long-term pain. Other teams are exploring how the immune system’s early response influences recovery, pointing toward novel immunotherapies. Together, these innovations could transform pain care, reducing suffering, lowering reliance on opioids, and improving recovery for patients worldwide.
