National Pain Awareness Month is observed in September every year. Pain professionals and activists from all around the country get together to raise awareness about problems connected to chronic pain during this month. Chronic pain directly impacts millions of people in the United States.
Pain Awareness Month aims to make the public aware of how prevalent general pain is, educate them on how to deal with pain, and collect funding for research into the causes and treatment of various forms of pain. Pain sufferers are joining together to enhance therapy and alleviate the agony they are experiencing.
History of Pain Awareness Month
Pain Awareness Month was established in 2001 by a consortium of organizations coordinated by the American Chronic Pain Association (A.C.P.A.). These organizations, which included the American Cancer Society and N.A.A.C.P., came together under the auspices of the ‘Partners for Understanding Pain initiative.’ A launch lunch for the alliance was hosted by the American College of Physicians in 2002 during the International Association for the Study of Pain Conference. By 2003, the Partners for Understanding Pain had grown to include more than 30 member organizations. U.S. Representative Mike Rogers delivered a keynote address during the 2004 conference in Washington, D.C.
Additionally, the A.C.P.A. and Partners for Understanding Pain released their first toolkit in 2004, which was developed in collaboration with organizations such as the American Association of Rehabilitation Nurses, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the American Nurses Association, the American Society of Perianesthesia Nurses, and the American Society of Pain Management Nurses. Another toolkit, this one highlighting the role of pharmacists in pain management, was made available in 2005. When the A.C.P.A. and its partners issued three tool kits in 2006, one for nurses, one for pharmacists, and one for older individuals, they were hailed as a success.
After a decade of successful monthly observances, the A.C.P.A. decided to take a more grassroots approach in 2007, collaborating with local facilitators to raise awareness through the media about the causes of pain and to eradicate the stigma attached to seeking medical care.
Pain Awareness Month timeline
A consortium of organizations coordinated by the American Chronic Pain Association establishes Pain Awareness Month.
A.C.P.A., together with Partners for Understanding Pain, release their first toolkit.
A.C.P.A. issues another toolkit highlighting the role of pharmacists in pain management.
A.C.P.A. decides to take a more grassroots approach collaborating with local facilitators to raise awareness through the media about the causes of pain
Pain Awareness Month FAQs
What causes chronic pain?
Chronic pain is often the result of an initial injury, such as muscular strain. Chronic pain arises due to nerve injury, which intensifies and prolongs the agony.
When does pain become chronic?
Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for three months or more, and in certain circumstances, the neural system remains hyperactive after the original injury or sickness has healed.
Is it normal to hurt every day?
Aches may also result from daily activities, particularly if you sit, walk, or exercise for extended periods. You may only need rest and home therapy to alleviate your bodily pains. However, some pains, particularly those that persist over an extended period, may indicate the presence of an underlying ailment.
How to Observe Pain Awareness Month
Volunteer
This simple act communicates that, although chronic pain sufferers may not seem physically unwell, they deserve the same level of care as those suffering from chronic bodily diseases. Take some time out to volunteer today.
Advocate
Discuss what Pain Awareness Month means to you with your friends and relatives and urge them to share your stories with your friends and family. Even sharing one story could help a sufferer.
Collaborate
If you belong to a support group or know other individuals who suffer from chronic pain, you may organize a gathering to promote awareness. Because pain impacts so many individuals, there are several groups and organizations to whom you may reach out.
Why We Love
Chronic pain can cause isolation
Individuals suffering from chronic pain are not unusual to experience emotions of loneliness and their discomfort may prevent them from engaging in social events or doing things they like.
Chronic pain can cause insomnia
Chronic pain often has a negative impact on people's sleep and may lead to insomnia in certain situations, making it virtually hard to obtain a decent night's sleep.
More women than men suffer
Chronic pain affects more women than men.
Diet can alleviate or worsen chronic pain.
Some individuals have discovered that the meals and beverages they consume daily may help or hurt their chronic pain.
Chronic pain doesn’t have a clear cause
Although there are many possible causes of chronic pain, it's also crucial to highlight that chronic pain sometimes does not have a clear cause.
Why Pain Awareness Month is Important
It helps raise funds
Pain awareness month helps collect funds for research in pain treatment and management techniques. See what you can do to help on this day, be it donating or volunteering.
It helps raise awareness
Pain awareness month helps raise awareness of the importance of healthy living and medical checkouts. Make sure your loved ones get checked out regularly.
It helps encourage those affected
When more individuals come out about chronic pain, people who suffer from it realize they are not alone and that a whole community understands and supports them. Half the burden is the stigma and isolation.
Pain Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
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