Governor Walker Proclaims September Pain Awareness Month

Chronic pain is the primary cause of lost workdays, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pain sufferers, who have to miss work because their pain leaves them unable to perform their duties, not only feel the strain on their bodies but also the strain on their wallets. In a time when job growth is seen as the principal solution to lifting the country out of an economic slump, employee stabilization is of utmost importance. In recognizing this importance, the Wisconsin Office of the Governor has proclaimed September Pain Awareness Month.

In order to raise awareness about the effects of chronic pain and help keep people from having to miss work, Advanced Pain Management (APM), the Wisconsin chapter of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN) and the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Pain Foundation (APF) collaborated efforts to have September proclaimed Pain Awareness Month by the Wisconsin Office of the Governor. With the proclamation, doctors with APM and representatives of ASPMN and APF hope to facilitate an improved quality of life for those suffering from pain and increase access to appropriate pain management treatment.

“Pain is a costly epidemic that tens of thousands of Wisconsinites and millions of Americans suffer through every day, and millions of dollars worth of employee productivity is lost due to pain.” said Dr. Yogendra Bharat, medical director of Advanced Pain Management. “Pain Awareness Month is a great way for people in Wisconsin to recognize the symptoms of pain and get appropriate relief from unrelieved pain so they don’t have to miss work or other activities.”

According to Bharat, the most common type of pain is lower back pain, followed by severe headaches or migraines. The American Pain Foundation indicates 80 percent of Americans will suffer from back pain at some point in their lives.

In addition to the proclamation, APM is hosting its first annual Pain Awareness 5K Run/ 3K Walk in metro Milwaukee. Proceeds from the walk will benefit the American Pain Foundation to increase access to the treatment of pain. The walk will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011, at 9 a.m. More information can be found at www.painawarenessrun.com.

The American Pain Foundation (APF) is an independent nonprofit organization that serves people affected by pain. APF speaks out for people living with pain, caregivers, health care providers and allied organizations, working together to dismantle the barriers that impede access to quality pain care for all. The mission of APF is to educate, support and advocate for people affected by pain.   

Advanced Pain Management is one of the largest pain management groups in the country, with more than 25 board-certified/eligible physicians offering the most advanced techniques for pain control. Advanced Pain Management physicians operate out of more than 35 locations in Wisconsin, including metro Milwaukee, the greater Madison area, Racine, Sheboygan and Green Bay, as well as in Mankato, Minn. You can find Advanced Pain Management online at www.apmhealth.com, and on Facebook and Twitter.