Pain Awareness Month in September is a month dedicated to raising awareness about the silent and often misunderstood epidemic of chronic pain.

My ideas about this subject are shaped by my own experience with chronic pain. I am often asked ‘what do you find  helps with pain’? However, I  don’t have  a simple answer. Anyone who has read  my series of blog posts, following my stroke, and emergence of  central pain syndrome, will discover along the way I’ve tried so many things, from physio, acupuncture, massage, saunas to mindfulness and meditation. I have  been seduced into trying lotions, potions, and gadgets. After  several years I’ve learned that it takes time to come to terms with chronic pain, to accept just how difficult it is to treat, and that there are no ‘quick fixes’.

A variety of tools are beneficial for managing chronic pain

Chronic pain is a common disabling illness that does not completely respond to current medical treatments. A variety of tools are beneficial for managing it. For example, the practice of mindfulness meditation. There is growing evidence  that mindfulness practice produces real changes in the brain , and may lead to changes in pain tolerance and pain intensity ratings.

What is  mindfulness?

It’s a mental practice that involves paying focused and non-judgmental attention to the present moment. In other words being fully aware of your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the environment without trying to change or judge them. Mindfulness encourages acceptance of the present moment as it is and can be cultivated through meditation, breathing exercises, or simply by consciously being present in everyday activities. Research has shown that mindfulness is a simple but powerful way to enhance several cognitive functions. It can improve attention, relieve pain and reduce stress.

Below is video that provides a more detailed explanation of  mindfulness meditation for  chronic pain from Stanford Medicine.

Healthy Aging  Month observed in September, offers a month-long opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of proactively preserving and enhancing physical, mental, and emotional health as individuals advance in age. It underscores the idea that aging doesn’t have to be synonymous with a decline in health or quality of life and encourages people to explore ways to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives as they grow older.

Healthy living is a fundamental component of healthy aging, and adopting and sustaining health-promoting practices throughout one’s life can significantly enhance resilience and create opportunities for a thriving, fulfilling journey through all stages of life, from infancy to older adulthood.

By making choices that prioritize health and well-being at every age, individuals can:

1. Build a Strong Foundation: Starting with a focus on health in infancy and childhood sets the stage for a lifetime of well-being. Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and early healthcare can establish a strong foundation for healthy aging.
2. Promote Longevity: Healthy living practices, such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking, can contribute to a longer and more vital life.
3. Enhance Quality of Life: As individuals move through adolescence and adulthood, healthy choices continue to be crucial. Staying active, managing stress, and fostering positive relationships all contribute to an improved quality of life.
4. Mitigate Age-Related Challenges: Healthy aging practices in middle and older adulthood can help mitigate common age-related challenges. These include maintaining cognitive function, preventing chronic diseases, and preserving mobility and independence.
5. Adaptability and Resilience: Adopting healthy habits throughout life enhances one’s ability to adapt to life’s changes and challenges, making it easier to navigate the transitions and uncertainties that come with aging.
6. Continued Engagement: Staying mentally, socially, and emotionally engaged in later life can promote a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Pursuing lifelong learning, maintaining social connections, and pursuing hobbies and passions contribute to thriving in older adulthood.

Healthy aging practices aren’t limited to a specific age group but are relevant and beneficial throughout the entire lifespan. They provide a framework for building resilience and creating opportunities for a fulfilling and thriving life, regardless of one’s age. By investing in health and well-being at every stage, individuals can optimize their chances for a vibrant and satisfying aging experience.

Image: istockphoto

Eldercare concerns

Shedding light on the silent suffering

September is a month that signifies the end of summer, the beginning of fall, and for many, the return to routines and responsibilities. However, September also holds another important role—it’s Pain Awareness Month. This dedicated month seeks to raise awareness about the silent and often misunderstood epidemic of chronic pain.

One of the greatest challenges with chronic pain is its invisibility. Unlike a visible injury or illness, chronic pain is often hidden beneath the surface, leaving those who suffer from it feeling isolated and misunderstood. This can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. Friends, family members, and even healthcare providers may not fully grasp the extent of the suffering endured by those with chronic pain.

Pain Awareness Month is a vital initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of those who suffer with chronic pain. It serves several essential purposes:

1. Education: It provides an opportunity to educate the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the complexities of chronic pain, its various causes, and the importance of effective pain management.
2. Empowerment: By raising awareness, Pain Awareness Month empowers individuals living with chronic pain to seek help, connect with support networks, and advocate for their needs.
3. Research and Advocacy: It supports research efforts to better understand and treat chronic pain and advocates for policies that improve access to pain management resources.

Living with pain

If you are living with chronic pain, or caring for a family member who is, listed below are  a  list of organizations, information and helpful resources.

Pain BC is a registered charity that is transforming the way chronic pain is understood and treated.

Making Sense of Pain Making is a self-management program designed for people with pain who experience marginalization and face barriers to accessing care.

American Chronic Pain Association  The mission of the ACPA is to facilitate peer support and education for individuals with chronic pain and their families so that these individuals may live more fully in spite of their pain, and to raise awareness among the health care community, policymakers, and the public at large about issues of living with chronic pain.