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Essential information for anyone affected by persistent pain.

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What is Why We Hurt?

Why We Hurt is an online programme that shares the latest science of pain in a way that is easy to understand.

Getting to know how pain works can be a game-changer. Research has shown that it can change how we think about persistent pain, what we do about it, and even how it feels.

It can reduce some of the fear and frustration of persistent pain, give you back control, and hopefully be an important step on the path to recovery.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there, and that it can be difficult to know what to trust. That’s why Flippin’ Pain’s group of experts have created this group of videos and activities for you.

It’s absolutely free to sign up!

  • Why We Hurt focuses on persistent pain (also known as chronic pain). This is any pain that has been present for more than 3 months.

    This information can be relevant and useful to anyone. No matter how severe your pain, where you feel it, or whether you’ve had it for 3 months or 30 years.

  • Why We Hurt includes a series of 8 short videos, with short tasks related to each. You can download extra information and post in a group chat if you choose to.

  • Yes! This information is backed by organisations such as the NHS and NICE, as well as the British Pain Society and the European Pain Federation.

Why We Hurt does not replace the role of individual medical care. If you are worried by new and undiagnosed symptoms, please consult a healthcare professional.

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  • Lee speaking to camera.

    "Understanding pain was the answer I'd sought for 30 years."

    “Pain ruled most of my adult life. It's a lonely place when there's little reason for why we hurt. Understanding pain was the answer I'd sought for 30 years. It's difficult to let go of current understandings and beliefs, but it's how we turn the page and write a story with a better ending.”

    - Lee, contributor

  • Kai speaking into the camera.

    "The change started with understanding my pain."

    “The sharp shooting pains I would get through both my arms soon became so severe that I underwent risky spinal surgeries and increased my medication to try and help relieve the pain… but it only made it worse. I’ve now been medication free for two years and have my life back, and the change started with understanding my pain”.

    - Kai, contributor

  • Kirsty smiling at the camera.

    “It definitely helped me manage my pain."

    “I now feel in the driving seat … for a good two years I think it was controlling me.

    “If anybody has had their pain for a while, go through this course to find ways of looking at it differently.”

    - Kirsty, user of Why We Hurt

  • Niki smiling at the camera.

    “It changed my relationship with pain."

    “Having severe persistent pain is a dark, isolating and scary life: one I existed in for 17 years. When I was able to really understand persistent pain, it changed my relationship with pain. This has made such a huge difference for me.”

    - Niki, contributor