A free, online panel event is set to tackle the myths and realities of persistent pain.
Flippin’ Pain, a public health campaign, is behind Pain Education for the Nation, which will bring together experts, healthcare professionals and those with lived experience of pain.
The event will be livestreamed across Great Britain on Wednesday, October 15.
It will explore the science of pain in an easy-to-understand way, debunk common myths and share stories of recovery.
The event is supported by national organisations We Are Undefeatable, Versus Arthritis, Active Partnerships, The British Pain Society and Cora Health.
It is open to all, including those living with pain, their families, health professionals, and policymakers.
Teesside University’s professor of clinical rehabilitation and Flippin’ Pain community pain champion, Cormac Ryan, is the event’s key speaker.
Professor Ryan said: “Persistent pain affects up to 30-50% of us here in Great Britain, but a lot of the best research out there just hasn’t trickled down to the public, or even many professionals.
“We know a lot of people might be feeling lost, or unsupported with their pain: this event is about changing that.”
Free online event to debunk pain myths and share recovery stories(Image: Supplied)
He added that “Pain Education for the Nation is not just important – it’s essential. It’s about giving people the knowledge and power to take control of their lives again.”
Attendees will have the chance to watch exclusive interviews and interact with a ‘lived experience’ panel.
One of the panellists is Kai Da’Costa, a psychology master’s student from Manchester.
Kai was left with a lifelong disability and persistent pain after a motorcycle crash at the age of 18.
Repeated surgeries and painkillers failed to help, but an understanding of his own pain allowed him to better manage it.
This enabled him to return to education and his creative pursuits.
Kai said: “Persistent pain has shaped my adult life, but I want to share my story and show that pain doesn’t have to define or confine you.
“Knowledge, for me, was power: and I want to help bring hope, knowledge, and new perspectives to as many people as possible.”
To register for the event, visit the Flippin’ Pain website.
