Support &
Communities for
People Living With Pain
Having a strong system of support and resources by your side is an important part of navigating your journey with pain. The following organizations offer support, education, and advocacy for people living with pain. You can also find organizations building active support groups and holding events for people affected by pain.
Organizations That Educate, Connect,
and Provide Support
American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
The ACPA offers peer support and education in pain management skills to people with pain, family and friends, and healthcare professionals. The information and tools can help you to better understand your pain and be an active participant in your treatment.
Visit site >Chronic Pain Research Alliance
An organization dedicated to understanding how different chronic pain conditions and disorders overlap, especially in women. The website discusses the prevalence and symptoms of Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions (COPCs) and provides an electronic newsletter with the information on the most recent scientific research on COPCs.
Visit site >Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA)
A national patient advocacy organization that provides information, support, and hope to children and adults affected by Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Their quarterly newsletter contains articles, personal stories, event listings, and advice for people with CRPS/RSD and their caregivers.
Visit site >Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF)
The foundation sponsors “Creaky Joints,” an online storehouse of knowledge for consumers to access a wealth of information related to arthritis. The site provides links to support, education, advocacy, and research resources.
Visit site >Pain Community Events Calendar
There are numerous helpful groups and events you can join to connect with others living with pain and learn more about how to manage it.
The INvisible Project by US Pain Foundation
US Pain Foundation’s flagship program creates chronic pain awareness through the stories of real people living with pain. Local and national events are available through this helpful calendar.
View events >Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) National Take Back Day
Too often, unused prescription drugs find their way into the wrong hands. The DEA’s Take Back Day events provide an opportunity for Americans to responsibly and anonymously dispose of any leftover prescription medications they may have at home.
View events >Pain Connection
As a program of the U.S. Pain Foundation, Pain Connection is dedicated to empowering people with chronic pain to improve their quality of life, decrease their sense of isolation, and take a more active role in their treatment. Pain Connection offers a national network of support groups with an emphasis on evidence-based education; services for clinicians; educational resources and events; and much more.
Visit site >US Bone and Joint Initiative (USBJI)
The USBJI brings together patient and professional organizations, medical schools, government agencies, and industry to improve both the prevention of bone and joint disorders and the quality of life for those affected. This monthly calendar lists public education and professional events nationwide.
View events >