Global Year Against Musculoskeletal Pain

New Global Year Campaign Launches October 19

Each year, IASP chooses a different aspect of pain that has global implications and sponsors a 12-month campaign to raise awareness of that area of pain. For our 2009–2010 Global Year Against Pain, we selected musculoskeletal pain as our focus.

Why Musculoskeletal Pain?

More people around the world experience musculoskeletal pain than any other type of pain. And the problem is complex and far-reaching, with many different types of pain falling into this category, including neck pain, limb pain, low back pain, joint pain, bone pain, and chronic widespread pain—just to name a few. Yet, despite the wide-ranging conditions and symptoms, all types of musculoskeletal pain share similar underlying mechanisms, manifestations, and potential treatments. The Global Year initiative provides an ideal forum for us to explore, and raise the profile of, these important issues.

Global Year Preparations

The new campaign, which is scheduled for an official launch on Monday, October 19, 2009, will draw much-needed attention to a host of issues faced by those with musculoskeletal pain. The 2009–2010 Global Year Team, led by co-chairs Dr. Lars Arendt-Nielsen (Denmark) and Dr. Kathleen A. Sluka (USA), has been busy preparing a variety of materials, resources, and communications to ensure a successful campaign. Team members have also been finalizing more than two dozen Global Year fact sheets on a number of specifics topics related to musculoskeletal pain, including:

• Evidence-Based Treatment of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain
• Acute/Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (including Sensitization)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Basic Aspects of Joint Pain
• Repetitive Strain Injuries/Overuse
• Exercise in Management of Musculoskeletal Pain

More Details Coming Soon

Watch for more information in upcoming issues of the IASP Newsletter, as well as special email announcements later this year, with more details about the new Global Year campaign. Several issues of Pain: Clinical Updates in the coming year will focus on topics related to musculoskeletal pain. In addition, the Global Year pages on the IASP website (www.iasp-pain.org/GlobalYear/MSP) will provide further details and resources, including an overview presentation for speakers and chapters to use at their Global Year events. Members will also be invited to sign up to receive periodic email updates on Global Year news.

Ready to Get Involved?

While the Global Year Team will provide the objectives and framework for the Global Year Against Musculoskeletal Pain, the real success of the campaign will come through the efforts of our members and chapters around the world. The team encourages all our members and chapters to make plans now for meetings, symposia, media events, and other local activities in support of this vital initiative.

From International Association for the Study of Pain