What's new on www.NationalPainFoundation.org

Patient Spotlight—Only 45, Feeling 90
After ignoring all the warning signs, this former athlete is living with chronic shoulder pain, even after reconstructive surgery. His family physician made changes to his medications and now he is living with inadequately treated pain. He shares his story in the hopes that there are others out there who might offer advice and support and have ideas for living with chronic pain. Click here to read his story.

Physical Therapy—An Integral Part to Multidisciplinary Pain Management
Physical therapy is a partnership between the therapist and patient that can result in decreased pain, increased flexibility and strength, and improved function. It also provides you with tools to help control your pain. Understanding and acknowledging your contributions and responsibilities can help you achieve your physical therapy goals. Read about how this integral part of pain management can help you. Click here!

Caregivers and Survivors Honored at the 2004 Triumph Dinner
The National Pain Foundation hosted its annual Triumph Dinner in San Francisco on October 9, 2004. Under the famous Rotunda of San Francisco's magnificent City Hall, more than 350 people celebrated the organization's accomplishments to date and honored the many individuals involved in the NPF's efforts to educate, empower and support persons in pain. Read more about the Triumph Dinner and about the Celina Field Award and Triumph Award winners.

New Books on Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is the subject of several new books released this fall, some of which might be of value to you. Read more about new offerings on the subject and read an excerpt.

Help Increase Awareness of Fibromyalgia
Two women whose lives have been changed by fibromyalgia have begun a letter-writing campaign to increase national awareness of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome before the next Fibromyalgia Awareness Day on May 12, 2005. Click here to read more about what you can do to support their efforts.

Giving Thanks
Often times we become overwhelmed by chronic pain and the problems associated with this disease. During these times, one of the most difficult things to do is to change our focus from what we've lost to the good things we still have in our lives. As hard as it may seem, it is possible to uncover those things for which we're grateful and find little ways to give back to others. Read more.

Pain in the News
News this month addresses the withdrawal of Vioxx and concerns about Bextra and more about the DEA's actions regarding the document intended to clarify prescribing of opioids.

DEA Statement About the Removal of the Prescription Pain Medication FAQ from its Site
The US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued an interim policy statement in a recent Federal Register about the document, "Prescription Pain Medications: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers for Health Care Professionals and Law Enforcement Personnel." The statement describes the "misstatements" identified in the FAQ document by the DEA and explains how the administration plans to address them and the issue of dispensing controlled substances for the treatment of pain in a future Federal Register. Click here to read the statement.

What's New Index
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