Pain Awareness

During Pain Awareness Month, ASA Recognizes Patients Living With Pain

This September, ASA is observing Pain Awareness Month to educate and empower people living with conditions that cause pain. Physician anesthesiologists who are experts in pain management are trained to evaluate and develop a treatment plan specifically for each patient. ASA is committed to educating patients about their pain management options, including the appropriate use of opioids and safe and effective alternative treatments. Check out our resources below.

Beth Hunt, a young mother, was in a tragic accident that shattered her leg. She dealt with excruciating pain for months. Physician anesthesiologist Greg Thompson, M.D., helped her control her pain and fully recover.

There are many types of pain, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Treatment can be complex and must be properly administered and monitored. That’s why pain management may require the involvement of a physician anesthesiologist who specializes in pain medicine.

“When people have ongoing or unmanageable pain, or develop a dependence or addiction to opioids, it’s time to seek help from pain medicine specialists who can create an individualized treatment plan that draws from the many alternatives to opioids that are not only safer, but in many cases more effective,” said John Dombrowski, M.D., fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Get Involved
During Pain Awareness Month, take action to help the more than 100 million Americans experiencing pain. Spread the word about pain management options and the role physician anesthesiologists have in treating pain.

• Take our quiz below to learn more about treatment options for when you’re in pain.
• Share our video of a remarkable patient who worked with her physician anesthesiologist to control her pain.
• Read our news release, “Opioid Crisis Illuminates the Need to See Pain Medicine Specialists.”
• Share ASA social media posts on Facebook and Twitter.
• Read our LinkedIn article by pain medicine specialist John Dombrowski, M.D., fellow of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
• Check out this KevinMD.com article by Greg Thompson, M.D.
• Learn more about the types of pain and treatment options.
• Visit the U.S. Pain Foundation’s Pain Awareness Month page to participate in events and activities that empower and educate pain warriors.

Take our quiz and get the facts

Test your knowledge about acute and chronic pain and learn about the proper use of opioids and the availability of other medications and nondrug treatments.