Game-changing pain science:

Why We Hurt provides an overview of:

• Common myths and misconceptions around pain
• How pain is an unreliable indicator of damage
• How/why pain can persist
• Biopsychosocial interventions that may help
• How to set and achieve realistic goals.

The videos explain the science behind pain in easy-to-understand terms, using lived experience stories to help patients feel validated in their experiences.

The interactive tasks help consolidate learning, giving patients the opportunity to relate what they’ve heard to their own experience. The programme ends with encouraging patients to make ‘information goals’ and ‘action goals’ to improve their own management.

You can watch a walkthrough with example clips of the content below or on YouTube.

Who is this information relevant for?

The programme is directed to people living with chronic pain themselves (any pain that has been present for more than 3 months), but the information can be useful to anyone (as an educational tool).

When is this information useful?

Understanding pain better can benefit anyone, regardless of how long they’ve lived with it.

Why We Hurt was created to fit in any type of patient journey or pathway: some professionals have shared it in patient texts before their first appointment, others have introduced the platform as something to discuss during appointments. It can be flexible based on the needs of a patient base.

What type of advice does the programme give?

Why We Hurt doesn’t give strict advice about what pain management techniques to use. The content is person-centred, and encourages personal exploration around the factors that can increase or reduce the volume of pain in their own lives.

Presenters give examples of evidence-based interventions (such as gradual movement, relaxation, better sleep and other lifestyle factors), but these aren’t ‘enforced’ in any way: just given as suggestions. Medicines and surgeries are also explored as options that potentially might not help as much as patients perceive.

What are the main ‘takeaways’ from the programme?

The programme explains that recovery (which can be defined in a variety of ways) is possible, and that small changes can help with pain management.

The final section invites patients to create ‘information goals’ (things to research) and ‘action goals’ (things to try) based on the information given. The platform gives opportunities for patients to reflect on these personally.

How does the platform link to local services?

Why We Hurt is suitable for anyone across the UK, so it doesn’t signpost or refer to any local services. The content encourages patients to explore what is in their local area, but we recommend professionals providing this information alongside signposting to the Why We Hurt platform.

What is the cost of the platform?

Why We Hurt is always free to the ‘end user’ (i.e. patients).

Currently Why We Hurt is available to patients in:

• Darlington & Durham Pain Service
• South Tees Pain Service
• Wakefield

Flippin’ Pain does need financial support to provide Why We Hurt in other areas: please get in touch if you would like more information.

Is it available in different languages?

Why We Hurt is still in a pilot phase, and so unfortunately the platform isn’t available in other languages yet.

Currently Why We Hurt is available to patients in:

• Darlington & Durham Pain Service
• South Tees Pain Service
• Wakefield

Professionals in these areas are welcome to share this link with patients, inviting them to sign up at the bottom of the page (please note: patients will have to choose their location on sign up).

You can download a leaflet about Why We Hurt to share with patients here.

If you would like to request some promotional materials in the post, please contact us.