World Day Against Pain (11/10)

October 11 is World Pain Day or Pain Day. It is conducted to sensitize the general public to the urgent need to ensure that people have access to painkillers and medicines.

The date has been held since 2004, at the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). The decision to organize World Day was the result of the successful European Week Against Pain, first organized in 2000. Representatives of these organizations issued a declaration proposing to include relief from pain in the list of fundamental human rights.

The International Association for Pain Research, founded in 1973, encourages various studies of pain and pain syndromes; provides care to patients with acute and chronic pain; brings together scientists, doctors, medical workers and other specialists working in the field of « pain management». The IASP currently has more than 7,000 members from 95 countries.

Pain – is an unpleasant or painful sensation, an experience of physical or emotional suffering. Serves as a protective signal of real or suspected tissue damage or psychological distress, and pain can also be caused by disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. It is one of the symptoms of a number of diseases.

It is no secret that a huge number of people in the world suffer from painful sensations of varying severity, including – cancer patients and HIV-infected people. But not all of them can access painkillers. This may be due both to the country's undeveloped medical care system and to various legislative restrictions governing the circulation of potent painkillers.

According to world statistics, currently every fifth inhabitant of the Earth is forced to overcome severe or moderate pain every day. Every third of them cannot lead an independent lifestyle. About 65% of people suffering from chronic pain are limited or completely unable to sleep normally, do household chores and exercise. They do not participate in public life, cannot drive a car or even just walk, and do not have the opportunity to fully communicate with their family and live a full life.

Therefore, it is not surprising that pain relief is an integral part of the lives of many people. And experts warn: pain should not be underestimated – pain syndrome without treatment can result in the most unexpected consequences.

World Day Against Pain – is another way to bring this topic to the attention of the public, authorities and health professionals. According to the organizers of the Day, issues of chronic pain are among the most underestimated health problems in today's world.



Article «Sick question»

2000