Together to relieve Chronic Pain
The first Global Day Against Pain was organised in 2004 by the International Association on the Study of Pain (IASP) and the European Federation of the IASP Chapters (EFIC). The World Health Organization (WHO) co-sponsored the campaign, which originated from the collective efforts of pain management organisations and advocacy groups seeking to address the widespread impact of pain on individuals and societies globally. Over the years, it has evolved into a broader awareness campaign, marked by educational activities, public campaigns, and collaborative initiatives to improve the lives of those affected by pain, such as IASP’s Global Year Campaign.
Starting in 2024, the European Pain Federation EFIC wishes to establish a ‘European Day on Pain Awareness’ dedicated to increasing understanding and awareness of chronic pain, a pervasive condition affecting millions worldwide. Celebrated annually on the third Wednesday of October, the European Day on Pain Awareness brings together healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, patients, and the general public through a collaborative campaign. This day emphasises the significant impact chronic pain has on patients’ lives, often leading to physical, emotional, and economic burdens. The aim is to foster a supportive environment where those affected by chronic pain can find the resources, understanding, and care they need. Through these efforts, the day aims to reduce the stigma associated with chronic pain, improve patient outcomes, and advocate for policy changes that prioritise effective pain management.
The epidemic of pain
- The Global Burden of Disease Study 2016 found that pain is the leading cause of disability and disease burden globally, particularly low back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, and migraine. Furthermore, the impact is even higher due to depression, cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
- In Europe alone, almost 20% of the adult population reports having moderate or severe chronic pain. This means there are 150 million people in Europe experiencing chronic pain.
- Chronic pain has been linked to numerous physical and mental conditions and contributes to high healthcare costs, early retirement, and productivity loss.
Easy to understand pain explainers and Downloads
The European Pain Federation EFIC want to provide resources and promote research opportunities to increase public awareness of pain and pain management. Feel free to access our explainers, visuals and infographics which are a great resource for clinicians who want to give their patients some basic introductory information on pain:
Join the EFIC Academy
The EFIC Academy Education Platform provides access to the highest quality online pain education material. It includes tailored material to the four EFIC curricula, developed by leading European educators specifically with an online learning environment in mind. To find out more and become a member, please visit https://europeanpainfederation.eu/efic-academy/
EFIC Advocacy Projects
The European Pain Federation EFIC campaigns to improve government policies that affect pain and raise awareness of pain’s importance, including its management, treatment and prevention, amongst patients and the general public. Find out more about current projects here:
“Plain Talking”: EFIC Campaign on Health Literacy
“On the Move”: EFIC Campaign on Physical Activity
EFIC Events
The 14th Congress of the European Pain Federation EFIC® will be held in Lyon, France, from 24-26 April 2025. The theme will be ‘Comorbidity of chronic pain and mental health disorders: Breaking the cycle’. Discover EFIC’s Congress by visiting https://europeanpainfederation.eu/efic2023
The Societal Impact of Pain (SIP) will hold an event on Access to Treatment, entitled ‘Pain Treatment, Management and Prevention – Is Europe Providing Adequate Access?‘, in Brussels, Belgium, on the 16th of October 2024 at 10h30-13h00 CET. Learn more about it: https://europeanpainfederation.eu/sip/upcoming-events/
EFIC Research Projects
In 2023, EFIC kicked off its pain research strategy, working with a multidisciplinary steering committee. The pain strategy will serve as a foundation stone for European pain research plans for the future years. The overall vision will be to optimise understanding and management of pain through promoting high-quality, collaborative basic, pre-clinical, translational, and clinical research.
EFIC has also launched its Pain Scientist Network, our internal listing of pain scientists, organised by their research expertise and activity fields. Pain scientists taking part to the network will have the opportunity to connect to other researchers in their field and multiply their collaborations.
To find out more and submit your profile today, please visit https://europeanpainfederation.eu/take-part-in-the-efic-pain-scientist-network/
