NERVEmber 2024

Oct 18, 2024

During November, Chronic Pain Ireland aims to raise awareness of neuropathic pain which is in support of the International Pain Foundation campaign NERVEmber™   The campaign uses NERVEmber™ to create awareness for over 150 conditions that have nerve pain as a symptom.

The colour orange is the international colour for chronic pain awareness. In over 150 conditions that do have nerve pain as a symptom, many are misunderstood, mistreated and often misdiagnosed.   Neuropathic pain can be felt anywhere in your body and you may experience one of or more of the following sensations –  burning, crawling, freezing, stabbing or shocking.

Neuropathic pain, which can result from nerve damage due to injury, illness, or surgery, affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by symptoms such as burning, tingling, shooting pains, and even numbness, all of which can have a debilitating impact on a person’s quality of life. Despite its prevalence, there is still much work to be done in terms of educating the public and healthcare professionals about the realities of living with nerve pain.

Each day during the month of NERVEmber™  we will be using the colour Orange across our social media platforms and the hashtags #NERVEmber #GoOrange to show our support.  We’ll have lots of facts, news and events throughout the month.

Awareness

At the core of our NERVEmber campaign is awareness. Chronic Pain Ireland recognises the importance of bringing visibility to nerve pain conditions to ensure that they are taken seriously by both the general public and healthcare providers. Many people living with neuropathic pain experience delays in diagnosis or inappropriate treatments because of the lack of understanding around these conditions. Chronic Pain Ireland aims to bridge this knowledge gap through our ongoing educational initiatives, social media outreach, and informative talks.

Advocacy

At Chronic Pain Ireland, advocacy is at the heart of everything we do. We actively work to represent the voices of those affected by chronic pain on steering committees, expert advisory groups informing policy, healthcare settings, and in the wider national and international community. Over the years, we have collaborated with stakeholders calling for better access to pain management services, including multidisciplinary care, which is essential for people with neuropathic pain.

Additionally, we regularly engage with healthcare professionals to encourage greater focus on patient-centred care, particularly in addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of living with chronic pain.

Action

At Chronic Pain Ireland (CPI), we believe that real, lasting improvements in the lives of those living with nerve pain require both innovative research and a commitment to reducing the stigma surrounding chronic pain conditions.

We are proud to be involved in cutting-edge research projects, exploring new ways of understanding, managing chronic pain and addressing the stigma that often surrounds chronic neuropathic pain, as in many cases it is invisible. By participating in these efforts, we aim to create a more compassionate healthcare environment where individuals feel validated and supported.

CPI’s advocacy extends to PPI (Public and Patient Involvement) in research, where we empower those living with chronic pain to have a voice in the design and implementation of research studies. Through many projects, we are helping to shape the future of pain research by ensuring that patient experiences are at the heart of new developments. These efforts not only enhance our understanding of neuropathic pain but also foster greater empathy and better treatment outcomes.

Through our outreach, we continue to encourage healthcare professionals to take a multidisciplinary approach to treating nerve pain, promoting treatments that go beyond medication and focus on holistic care—incorporating physiotherapy, psychological support, and lifestyle management. Our goal is to ensure that individuals receive the comprehensive care they deserve while advocate for earlier diagnosis and comprehensive patient-centred care. 

CPI also engages with the wider community, encouraging people to support those living with chronic nerve pain by fostering greater empathy and understanding. Whether it’s through participating in fundraising efforts, sharing educational resources, or becoming involved in research initiatives, every action counts in making a meaningful difference.

 

Finding help

If you or someone you know is struggling with nerve pain, Chronic Pain Ireland is here to help. Through our support groups, educational resources, and advocacy efforts, we are committed to being a source of strength and hope for the chronic pain community. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no one has to face chronic pain alone.

For more information on how to get involved with CPI or to learn more about neuropathic pain, visit our website or follow us on social media for updates throughout NERVEmber!

You can bring awareness to conditions by posting everyday in #NERVEmber so remember to use @ChronicPainIRL #NERVEmber #GoOrange so that we can see and share your posts.

More about Neuropathic Pain

Visit our guide to neuropathic pain

Check out our list of conditions and a list of Irish support groups

Join Chronic Pain Ireland For support, up to date information and opportunities, become a member of Chronic Pain Ireland today.  Click here

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