My Pain — Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
The thoracic outlet is an area in the neck above the uppermost rib on both sides of the body. The main artery and vein and the entire nerve supply to the arm are located in this space. There are several conditions that can cause narrowing of this space. Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) occurs when the narrowing of this space causes pressure on your nerves or blood vessels, causing pain and loss of function. While TOS can be a chronic, sometimes debilitating condition, a variety of treatments are available to help alleviate the symptoms. Click here to read more about TOS.

Finding Ways to Help — For My Father
Steve Fuston lived with chronic neck pain for years. . Steve's story reminds us of the importance of having a greater purpose in our lives—something to focus on besides our pain — and the importance of giving to, connecting with and helping others in pain.

Steve's daughter, Erika Tenney, continues to encourage others to find help for their pain by honoring her father through her support of the National Pain Foundation. Erika has created a digital scrapbook kit, "For My Father," just in time for Father's Day and is donating all proceeds from the kit to the National Pain Foundation. Click here to order the $5 kit or make a donation to the NPF in honor of your father or other important man in your life today.

Spiritual Dimensions of the Pain Experience
By Richard L. Stieg, MD, MHS
Research and clinical experience strongly suggests that many people in pain turn to spiritual guidance for help and would like their health care provider to discuss this with them. Sadly, this is a dimension that professionals often are very uncomfortable with and may believe that such discussion plays no role in healing. Read more about spirituality as it relates to pain and talking with your health care provider.

Pain and Age — The Older Adult
By Elisa Martinez
Chronic pain in the elderly is a known problem that is widely accepted. Compared to the rest of the population, the elderly experience more chronic joint problems such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis that cause painful symptoms. Pain in the older adult often is undertreated. Click here to learn about this disparity in pain treatment and click here to read about the myths associated with age and pain.

Act Now — Congressional Briefing on the Epidemic of Pain in America
The Pain Care Forum, in cooperation with Representative Mike Rogers (R-MI), has coordinated a congressional briefing on the epidemic of pain in America on June 13, 2006, from noon to 1 PM.

We need your help in encouraging your congressional representatives to attend this important meeting. Click here to learn more about this important opportunity to educate others about pain and take action today.

Pain in the News
News this month includes the latest research on children with frequent headache, knee pain, arthritis, forearm pain and migraine. Click here!