REMS: The FDA and Pain Medications

What are REMS and what do they have to do with people who live with pain? How can you make a difference in shaping pain policy? Read the latest about how REMS has the potential to affect the lives of millions of people who live with pain and the health care professionals who care for them and visit the new REMS FAQ to learn more.

Pain Research & Practice Update

The 2nd issue of APF’s Pain Research & Practice Update is now available in traditional PDF and ePublication formats! Included are highlights from the February 2010 American Academy of Pain Medicine conference, an expert Q&A about the role of vitamin D in chronic pain, researcher highlights, migraines and stroke, the aches and pains of texting, Tai Chi and acupressure ease pain and much more!
 
We are excited to bring this new resource to people living with pain, caregivers and health care providers who care for them. Promoting sound research is key to improving pain care in America. We hope this newsletter will spark interest and dialogue about pain research and the need for increased funding.

New! Spotlight on Back Pain

Of all the different types of aches and pains people experience, back pain is the most common. A majority of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives. The American Pain Foundation has created a practical online guide to educate you about back pain and arm you with information to talk with your health care providers about prevention and treatment. As with other pain conditions, it can take time and patience to find answers, but these articles, worksheets and tips offer information to help you advocate for quality symptom management. If you or a loved one suffers with back pain, take some time to learn self-care strategies that can help you get well and build a stronger, healthier back to prevent future problems. Read our online guide now>>

APF Mourns the Passing of Respected Colleague Peter J. Vicente, PhD, ABPP

Peter J. Vicente, PhD, ABPP, a long-time supporter of the American Pain Foundation, passed away in June 2010. Dr. Vicente served as the medical editor of the Pain Monitor, APF’s monthly electronic newsletter since its launch in January 2003. In 2008, he was recognized as a leader who made profound accomplishments in advancing the care of people with pain when he was awarded the APF Presidential Medal of Honor. Please read more about Dr. Vicente's contributions to the field of pain management.

Pain Community News -Now Available

The Summer 2010 edition of APF's quarterly newsletter is now available. Articles include Spotlight on Back Pain; Ouch, My Aching Back; Top 10 Tips: Preventing and Finding Relief from Back Pain; Back Pain at a Glance; Pain & Sleep; Healing with H2O; Q&A: Ask an Integrative Medicine Expert; International Focus on Pain Care, Part 2: A Conversation with Judith Paice, PhD, RN; Volunteer Corner; 2010 Advocacy Summit: A Resounding Success - Inspiring and Prompting Action; and Book Review: Managing Pain Before It Manages You. This online issue has been reformatted to make it easier to print.

The traditional PDF version is available in our Pain Community News archive. This issue is also available as an e-publication, allowing readers to virtually flip through its pages. Take a read and be sure to click the icon for “full screen” at the bottom left side of the screen. You can also zoom in and out as needed.

Fibromyalgia Awareness Project Launches in Missouri

In an effort to raise awareness about fibromyalgia, an often misdiagnosed, musculoskeletal pain condition that affects up to six million Americans, the American Pain Foundation is piloting the Is Fibro the Cause? project in Missouri. We are working with community and state-based alliance groups and fibro advocates to disseminate our new Is Fibro the Cause? toolkit. Not only does the toolkit include helpful tips and resources on how to recognize fibromyalgia’s signs and symptoms, but also provides a worksheet to help track symptoms and facilitate communication with your health care provider. Learn more about the project and our collaborators.

APF Mourns the Passing of Respected Leader Daniel Goetz

Daniel Goetz, an entrepreneur, business leader and dedicated board member of the American Pain Foundation, has passed away.  Mr. Goetz’s service to APF and its Board of Directors was exemplary, and APF is honored to have worked with him for more than eight years. His expertise as a business leader and his advice about APF’s financial matters were crucial to the organization’s long-term health. “Dan was able to look through facts and numbers and find meanings,” APF CEO Will Rowe says. “That was an extraordinarily valuable skill for APF.” Mr. Goetz was very positive in his outlook and always available to help the APF in any way he could. Son John Goetz says, “The foundation was near and dear to my father.” APF board members, staff members and friends will miss him greatly. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Goetz’s family members and friends during this difficult time. The family has asked that memorial contributions may be made to APF here. Read more about Mr. Goetz's impressive life and accomplishments.

APF Survey Shows Need for Education and Awareness about After-Shingles Pain

The results of an American Pain Foundation survey on postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) indicate that the majority of people with shingles are not aware of the possibility of developing PHN, also known as after-shingles pain. After-shingles pain is one of the most common causes of pain-related suicide in older Americans. To raise awareness about this painful condition that affects approximately one in five people who have had shingles, APF has partnered with the Patchwork of Hope Network, an educational campaign led by the National Council on Aging. Learn more about the survey and resources available on shingles and PHN.

Provisions from National Pain Care Policy Act Included in Health Care Reform Bill Intended to Improve Pain Care

Several provisions from the National Pain Care Policy Act of 2009 were included in the recently passed Health Care Reform Bill which was signed into law by President Barack Obama. These provisions are a critical piece of legislation intended to improve pain care in the United States. APF - along with a dedicated movement of members, volunteer advocates and national partnering organizations - have worked together over the last five years to encourage the passage of legislation such as the National Pain Care Policy Act. Read APF’s press release for information about how these provisions will affect people with pain. To learn more about APF’s involvement in the National Pain Care Policy Act, please click here.

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