About us

Established in 2006, the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition (CPPC) is a forum uniting professionals, parliamentarians and patients who operate at a policy level to develop an improved strategy for the prevention, treatment and management of chronic pain and its associated conditions. The Coalition seeks to improve the lives of the 7.8 million people who live with chronic pain in the UK as well as realising substantial economic and social benefits for society as a whole.

What is chronic pain?

Pain can be a warning sign. Acute pain is of recent onset and probable limited duration, usually having an identifiable cause. Treatment of the cause will normally relieve the pain.

Chronic pain is pain that persists beyond the normal time of healing (generally considered to be three months) or occurs in diseases in which healing does not take place. Chronic pain can occur when no obvious cause can be found, and is thought to be due to changes in the nervous system. Chronic pain is often accompanied by stress and anxiety.

Where can I get help?

Chronic pain can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, on their family and, for many, on their ability to work. Pain is a highly complex experience. It is not only a physical sensation; individuals may also develop psychological consequences of their pain and the social impact is considerable. Dealing with and managing your pain can be a daunting prospect, but there is help available:

• Be sure to visit your GP at the earliest opportunity available, talk with them about your experiences, the intensity of your pain, how distressing it is and how much it interferes with your normal everyday activities. You may also like to contact NHS Direct on 08457 4647 or visit http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

• The British Pain Society is an excellent source of information for patients living with pain – click here to visit their website

• There are a number of charities and groups who offer support for patients including self-help groups and helplines where you will be able to meet with or speak to other people with chronic pain:

Action on Pain

Arthritis Care

BackCare

Expert Patients Programme

Pain Concern

• Please click here for links to other patient group websites

How can I support the CPPC?

Whether you are a patient, a health professional, a carer or know someone living with chronic pain, we would be delighted to hear from you. To sign up to our newsletter and to support our PAIN [ the 5th vital sign ] campaign please click here