Pain Awareness Month

Categories:: Health
Tags:: American Awareness
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every September
Holiday emoji:: 🎗️

Pain Awareness Month is observed throughout September, uniting professionals and activists to highlight the pervasive impact of chronic pain. Millions in the U.S. are directly affected, making this month crucial for education and advocacy. Take action by learning more, supporting research, and advocating for improved pain management therapies.

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History
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FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected Pain Awareness Month Deals

Throughout Pain Awareness Month, the focus shifts from commercial deals to crucial fundraising and awareness initiatives. Organizations like the U.S. Pain Foundation and the American Chronic Pain Association partner with corporations for donation-matching programs and virtual events. Pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and medical device innovators such as Medtronic often highlight their commitment to pain research and patient support through educational campaigns. Retail pharmacies like CVS Health may offer information on pain management resources. Look for opportunities to contribute to research funds and support groups, rather than sales. We will update this page with confirmed live campaigns as September approaches.

Platform Guide for Pain Awareness Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PainAwarenessMonth. Share personal stories (with consent), infographics, or short videos highlighting the impact of chronic pain.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #PainAwarenessMonth. Participate in online discussions, share news on pain research, and retweet advocacy messages from leading organizations.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PainAwarenessMonth. Join community groups, share educational resources, and promote local support events.

Pain Awareness Month Hero

Dr. John J. Bonica

Dr. John J. Bonica (1917-1994) was an American anesthesiologist and a pivotal figure in the field of pain medicine. Often called the 'father of pain medicine,' he established the first multidisciplinary pain clinic in the United States at the University of Washington in 1961. His groundbreaking work emphasized treating pain as a complex condition requiring a holistic approach, integrating various medical specialties. Bonica's legacy includes founding the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and authoring the seminal 'The Management of Pain,' which remains a foundational text.

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

2001

Pain Awareness Month Established

A consortium of organizations coordinated by the American Chronic Pain Association establishes Pain Awareness Month.

2004

A.C.P.A. Ithe First Toolkit

A.C.P.A., together with Partners for Understanding Pain, release their first toolkit.

2005

The Second Toolkit

A.C.P.A. issues another toolkit highlighting the role of pharmacists in pain management.

2007

A.C.P.A. Launches Campaign

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

How Businesses Can Celebrate Pain Awareness Month

Local businesses can honor Pain Awareness Month by fostering a supportive environment for employees with chronic pain, offering flexible work arrangements, or promoting wellness programs. Healthcare providers can host free educational seminars on pain management techniques, while pharmacies can highlight resources for patients. Retailers might partner with local non-profits for a ’round-up at the register’ campaign, donating proceeds to pain research. Emphasize empathy and education over commercial gain.

Pain Awareness Month FAQs

When is Pain Awareness Month?

Pain Awareness Month 2026 runs throughout September, from Tuesday, September 1, to Wednesday, September 30. It’s a dedicated time for global advocacy.

How many Americans are affected by chronic pain?

According to the CDC, approximately 20.4% of adults in the U.S. (around 50 million people) suffered from chronic pain in 2016, a figure that remains a significant public health concern. Many more experience acute pain.

What is the economic impact of chronic pain in the US?

Chronic pain carries a staggering economic burden in the U.S., estimated to be between $560 billion and $635 billion annually in healthcare costs and lost productivity. This makes it more costly than cancer, heart disease, and diabetes combined.

What is the main goal of Pain Awareness Month?

The primary goal of Pain Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about the prevalence and impact of chronic pain, educate individuals on pain management strategies, and advocate for increased research funding. It also aims to reduce the stigma associated with living with pain.

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.