FORUM AIMS TO EASE THE PAIN FOR ALL SUFFERERS

CHRONIC pain — pain that does not go away after the injury or illness has resolved and lasts at least three months — is a significant health issue, with about one in five people living with this invisible illness.

Figures are even more alarming for our older population, with one in three people over 65 living with chronic pain.

A recent survey conducted by Chronic Pain Australia, the national voice of people living with chronic pain, highlighted that people in pain feel unsupported and unheard by the government and health professionals, and face negative attitudes and stigma on all fronts. We want to help change this. National Pain Week (July 23-29) is an annual initiative of Chronic Pain Australia, which aims to destigmatise the experiences of people living with chronic pain and provide an outlet to share their stories and experiences with the wider community.

This year’s theme, Nothing about us without us, is focused on ensuring people living with chronic pain have a voice and can be heard in any public discussions or health policy development that impacts their lives.

During National Pain Week, the results of the National Pain Survey will be available on www.national painweek.org.au and I’d encourage people living with chronic pain to share their own experiences and ideas on the Chronic Pain Forum.

Dr Coralie Wales, Chronic Pain Australia president