IASP Sponsors Global Year Against Visceral Pain

Initiative promotes better visceral pain management through increased awareness

SEATTLE, Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Year Against Visceral Pain launches today, bringing global attention to pain that originates in or near the internal organs of the body. Visceral pain is the most frequent form of pain, felt by most people at one time or another, and the number one reason for patients to seek medical attention. Sponsored by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), the 12‐month campaign focuses on education for health care professionals and government leaders as well as public awareness.

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Visceral pain associated with ailments such as gallstones, acute pancreatitis, acute appendicitis, and diverticulitis are the most common reasons for visits to outpatient and inpatient gastrointestinal (GI) clinics, but visceral pain may also include chronic chest pain, bladder pain, gynecological pain, and pelvic pain. Up to 25% of the population report visceral pain at any one time, leading to substantial health care costs.

Led by urogenital pain and gastroenterology experts Timothy Ness, M.D., Ph.D. (USA), and Qasim Aziz Ph.D., FRCP (UK), the IASP initiative will mobilize IASP's 8,000+ members and 88 national chapters, and forge partnerships with other organizations, to:

• disseminate information about visceral pain worldwide;
• educate pain researchers as well as health care professionals who see the issues associated with visceral pain firsthand in their interactions with patients;
• increase awareness of visceral pain among government officials, members of the media, and the general public worldwide; and
• encourage government leaders, research institutions, and others to support policies that result in improved pain treatment for people with visceral pain.

As part of the Global Year Against Visceral Pain, IASP offers a series of fact sheets for clinicians and health care professionals that cover specific topics related to visceral pain. These fact sheets are translated into multiple languages and available for free download. Also available on the web is a page of resources including links and free posters promoting the Global Year. Throughout the coming year, IASP and its chapters sponsor meetings, symposia, media interviews, publications, and other efforts to promote education on issues surrounding visceral pain. For more information, visit: www.iasp‐pain.org/GlobalYear/VisceralPain.