CONDITION

Long COVID

(Post-COVID-19 Syndrome)

Long COVID is a complex, multi-system condition that persists long after the initial virus has cleared. For many, the symptoms—ranging from extreme fatigue to chronic pain is life-altering. At Silver Pain Centre in Toronto, we provide personalized, OHIP-covered treatment plans designed to address the neurological, musculoskeletal, and inflammatory aspects of Long COVID to help you regain your quality of life.

Complete Your Self-Referral Physician Referral Form

What is Long COVID?

Long COVID, or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), refers to a wide range of health problems that continue for weeks, months, or even years after a COVID-19 infection. It is not a single disease but a collection of symptoms that can fluctuate or relapse over time.

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Persistent Fatigue: Profound exhaustion that is not improved by rest.

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Widespread Pain: Muscle aches (myalgia), joint pain, and neuropathic sensations.

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"Brain Fog": Cognitive impairment, including difficulty concentrating or memory gaps.

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Autonomic Dysfunction: Symptoms like rapid heart rate (POTS) or shortness of breath.

Why Does Long COVID Occur?

The exact cause of Long COVID is still being studied by the global medical community, but research suggests it stems from a combination of physiological triggers that keep the body in a state of distress. Common contributing factors include:

Persistent Inflammation: The immune system may remain “overactive” long after the virus is gone, causing chronic inflammation in the joints, nerves, and soft tissues.
Nervous System Dysregulation: COVID-19 can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to heightened pain sensitivity and disruptions in how the body regulates heart rate and blood pressure.
Microvascular Issues: Small-scale damage to blood vessels can limit oxygen delivery to muscles and tissues, resulting in chronic heaviness and pain in the limbs.
Viral Persistence: Small fragments of the virus may remain in certain “reservoirs” in the body, triggering a continuous immune response.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Damage to the “power plants” of your cells can lead to the severe physical and mental fatigue characteristic of the condition.

At Silver Pain Centre, we perform a detailed clinical evaluation to determine which of these pathways is driving your specific symptoms. By understanding the intersection of your neurological and physical pain, we create a recovery roadmap tailored to your needs.

How We Diagnose & Treat at Silver Pain Centre

Because Long COVID presents differently in every patient, we begin with a comprehensive history and diagnostic review. We focus on identifying treatable pain sources and neurological triggers. Your treatment plan may include:

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Stellate Ganglion Blocks (SGB): An advanced interventional procedure used to "reset" the autonomic nervous system, often helpful for symptoms of dysautonomia and chronic "fight or flight" states.

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Ketamine Infusions: Targeted for chronic widespread pain and associated mood or cognitive disturbances (candidacy determined after initial consultation).

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Image-Guided Injections: Ultrasound or fluoroscopy-guided blocks for localized joint or muscle pain.

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Nerve Blocks & Trigger Point Injections: To address persistent headaches and myofascial pain caused by systemic inflammation.

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Specialized Referral Network: Collaborative care with other specialists to manage cardiac or respiratory symptoms.

When to Seek Help & How We Can Support You

If you are struggling with symptoms that have persisted for more than 12 weeks following a COVID-19 infection, specialized intervention is essential. Long COVID is a legitimate medical condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach to prevent symptoms from becoming permanent.

At Silver Pain Centre, we provide comprehensive, OHIP-covered consultations designed to help you find lasting relief. Here’s how we make a difference:

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Collaborative Care

Your case is reviewed by a team of physicians, surgeons, and pain specialists working together to create a personalized treatment plan.

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Fast Access

We review self-referrals within 72 hours to minimize wait times and get you the care you need quickly.

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Advanced Diagnostics

Our North York facility uses imaging such as MRI, ultrasound, and fluoroscopy to pinpoint the exact source of your pain.

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Non-Surgical Options

From nerve blocks to radiofrequency ablation, we provide targeted treatments to relieve pain and restore mobility.

Interventional pain procedures performed to date

Years of specialized pain management experience

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Patient-reported satisfaction based on post-visit surveys

Image-guided injections performed monthly

Explore Our Full Range of Pain Management Solutions

Learn about our pain management treatments and explore the options available at Silver Pain Centre.

Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI)

Nerve Blocks for Neck & Head Pain

Neuromuscular Stimulation

Peripheral Nerve Stimulator (PNS)

Book a Consultation for Long COVID Relief

If you are living with the lingering effects of COVID-19, our team is here to help. Our specialists at Silver Pain Centre will review your self-referral within 72 hours and guide you through an OHIP-covered consultation—available in person at our North York facility or via virtual care.