#Backpainuk's list of the best #chronicpain online support groups. Group support can be a lifeline to someone in chronic pain whether it's a local group or an online group. You feel less isolated by talking to others in a similar position to you. The following list is some of the ones I have found on the internet.  

1. Pain UK – www.painuk.org

An alliance of charities providing a voice for people suffering chronic pain. Pain UK has produced a call to action document that outlines the burden of chronic pain to the NHS, society and people living with chronic pain.

2. The Pain Relief Foundation – www.painrelieffoundation.org.uk A registered charity whose aims are research and the dissemination of information relating to chronic pain. THE FOUNDATION IS CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE PAIN CLINIC AT THE WALTON CENTRE FOR NEUROLOGY AND NEUROSURGERY NHS TRUST.

3. Pain Concern – www.painconcern.org.uk Providing information, support and awareness for chronic pain. They also have a radio program Airing Pain which brings together people with chronic pain and top specialists to talk about the resources which can help. Pain Concern produces a new Airing Pain programme once a month, which you can hear on Tuesday and Sunday evenings at 8pm via Able Radio. Podcasts are then available to listen to on demand via our website. You can subscribe to the Airing Pain podcast on Audioboom, iTunes and through most podcast apps.

4. The British Pain Society – www.britishpainsociety.org Aimed at healthcare professionals working in the field of chronic pain, their website also contains some useful information and resources. The British Pain Society is the oldest and largest multidisciplinary professional organisation in the field of pain within the UK. Chronic pain is suffered by over a third of the population. It is commonly distressing and commonly highly disabling. It is devastating for individuals who suffer. Many cannot work and lose their jobs. Their multidisciplinary nature is pivotal in making The British Pain Society a uniquely relevant representative body on all matters relating to pain.

5. Burning Nights – www.chronicpaincrps.com Run by a CRPS sufferer, this website promotes public awareness of CRPS, as well as providing information and support for sufferers and their wider support networks, as listed on NHS Choices. 6. Action on Pain – www.action-on-pain.co.uk A registered charity established in 1988 by Ian Simmons, the Chairman, as a result of his own frustration that it took so long to get treatment for his pain. That frustration was heightened by the fact that when he eventually discovered Pain Clinics some three years after his injuries the treatment he received was superb. During that journey, he met many others in a similar position so knowing that complaining to the NHS was a pointless exercise he was determined to do something positive to help others who were faced with a similar challenge. 7. The Pain Toolkit – www.paintoolkit.org A very useful website featuring pain management techniques and information. The Pain Toolkit originated back in 2002 when Pete Moore was writing a self-management article for pain healthcare professionals. Living with pain himself, he recognised while writing his article, that he had developed a toolkit of pain management skills to enable himself to become an active self-manager and to lead a better life.

8. Back Pain Blog - https://backpainbloguk.wordpress.com/ After suffering from chronic pain myself for over 30 I decided to start writing a blog about how I was coping on a daily basis. Back Pain Blog was born in 2007 and I would like to think that now I have helped others in chronic pain to find a way to get a balance in life while suffering. Writing has given me a way to escape into another world even on my worst days. I also love to write about other conditions (pain related) and write honest reviews on books, treatments and websites which cover topics on pain. 9. A Way with Pain - https://www.awaywithpain.co.uk/ A website dedicated to providing information and support to those living with chronic pain. It's a place where people can visit, find comfort and share their experiences if they so wish. Hopefully eliminating some of the fear, frustration, loneliness and isolation that can be felt when living and dealing with chronic pain on a daily basis. As a Charity, a way with pain will endeavour to provide people with a clearer understanding of chronic pain and the impact which it can have upon every aspect of a person’s daily life and also those around them. Often bringing with it huge life changes! Our wish is for a way with pain to become a fully comprehensive website which will continue to evolve and adapt as it progresses, creating awareness with valuable input from people living with chronic pain, professionals, and those affected by chronic pain. The information given on this site will not cure chronic pain, however, it may go some way towards helping people come to terms with their pain, and self-manage it in a way which will hopefully bring back some control into their lives, enabling them to find a way forward……...