September is Pain Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic pain. This annual event was first established in 2001 by the American Chronic Pain Association as an effort to educate people about the various types of pain and how to manage it. From physical therapy and mindfulness activities, to medication and lifestyle changes, there are many ways you can help reduce pain levels and improve overall functioning. So join us in September and let's work together towards better understanding and management of pain!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Pain Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Chronic Pain Association established September as Pain Awareness Month to educate people about various types of pain.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Official Proclamation</div><div class='timeline-text'>Several states officially proclaimed September as Pain Awareness Month, further recognizing and supporting the cause.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Non-Profit Participation Growth</div><div class='timeline-text'>Many non-profit organizations began observing and advocating for Pain Awareness Month, extending its reach and influence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div the='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Social Media Campaigns</div><div class='timeline-text'>Social media campaigns using the hashtag #PainWarriorsUnite were launched to spread the word and create an interactive platform for pain sufferers.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Partnerships and Sponsorships</div><div class='timeline-text'>Numerous corporations sponsored various events and promotions during Pain Awareness Month, increasing visibility and support.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Virtual Events During Pandemic</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Pain Awareness Month events transitioned to virtual platforms, broadening global participation.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn more about chronic pain and the different types of pain that can affect people. Read books, articles, and blogs. Talk to your doctor or a specialist about how to manage pain.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support a cause</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Donate money or time to a pain awareness organization. Research organizations in your area and find out how you can help.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread the word</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Share information about Pain Awareness Month on social media and with friends and family. Use hashtags like #PainAwarenessMonth and #PainAwareness to help spread the word.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Talk to your doctor</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>If you are living with chronic pain, take this month as an opportunity to talk to your doctor about treatment options. Let your doctor know how the pain is affecting your life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Do something fun</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time for yourself and do something fun. Go to a movie, take a yoga or meditation class, or go for a walk. Doing something enjoyable can help reduce stress and provide relief from chronic pain.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pain Awareness Month offers hope</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Pain Awareness Month raises awareness for those suffering from chronic pain, and offers hope that there are treatments and options available to help manage it. The event also draws attention to the importance of adequate funding for research so that more effective treatments can be developed.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pain Awareness Month advocates for sufferers</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The event increases public understanding of the struggles with chronic pain and helps advocate on behalf of people who might not have access to adequate treatment. By highlighting the stories of sufferers around the world, it is hoped that society will become more aware and sympathetic towards those living with ongoing pain.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Pain Awareness Month supports community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By gathering people together for Pain Awareness Month, sufferers can get the support they need from each other. Events like local walks and fundraisers offer an opportunity for those suffering from pain to come together in a supportive environment and remind each other that they are not alone in their struggle.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pain can greatly impact mental health</h3><p class='facts-text'>Chronic pain is not just a physical condition; it can also contribute to significant mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, underscoring the need for pain awareness and management.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Pain affects sleep and vice versa</h3><p class='facts-text'>Chronic pain often interferes with sleep, causing a vicious cycle as lack of sleep can result in increased pain sensitivity. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing effective pain management strategies.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chronic pain affects a significant proportion of the population</h3><p class='facts-text'>Approximately 20% of adults around the globe suffer from chronic pain. By drawing attention to this, Pain Awareness Month highlights the widespread nature of this often invisible ailment.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Diet and lifestyle changes can help manage chronic pain</h3><p class='facts-text'>Emphasizing holistic treatments during Pain Awareness Month helps highlight ways to manage pain, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limiting alcohol and caffeine, which can exacerbate pain.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>There is a thing known as pain 'flare'</h3><p class='facts-text'>People with chronic pain can experience times when the pain is significantly worse, known as 'flares.' Understanding these patterns can aid in developing personalized management plans.</p></div></div>
Pain Awareness Month is celebrated on September 1 every year. In 2024 Pain Awareness Month will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Sep 1
Friday
2024
Sep 1
Sunday
2025
Sep 1
Monday
2026
Sep 1
Tuesday
2027
Sep 1
Wednesday