Pain and MS – Strategies, support and self-management

pain and ms

Wednesday 27 August at 2pm

Go to our portal area to register to join the classes live or to watch the recording

The suggested donation for this session is £7

This session provides a supportive and informative introduction to pain, its nature, challenges, and practical strategies for management. It will also highlight the work of Pain Concern, a UK charity dedicated to supporting people living with persistent pain through high-quality information, helpful resources, and policy advocacy.

Whether you are living with pain yourself or supporting someone who is, the session aims to deepen your understanding and offer effective tools and strategies to better manage chronic pain.

We’ll be joined by Samantha Mason, who will provide an overview of Pain Concern’s mission and services, including the wide range of free resources they offer, such as

  • Leaflets and factsheets covering various pain conditions
  • Airing Pain podcast episodes featuring expert insights and personal stories
  • Pain Matters magazine, written for and by people living with pain

Understanding pain – acute vs chronic

Samantha will also explain the key differences between acute and chronic (persistent) pain, with a particular focus on neuropathic pain, its causes, symptoms, and its impact on everyday life.

Self-management strategies for long-term pain

The session will also explore practical self-management techniques, including:

  • Pacing and activity planning
  • Managing flare-ups
  • Mind-body approaches such as relaxation and mindfulness
  • Building support networks and accessing trustworthy information

MS-UK’S Pain Choices booklet

We’re pleased to be joined by Shaun Barton, MS-UK’s Helpline Officer, who will present on key topics featured in our Pain Choices booklet. Shaun will share insights on how people can make informed choices about their pain management, explore available treatment options, and navigate conversations with healthcare professionals.

Question and answer

We will end the session with time for questions and informal discussion, giving attendees the opportunity to explore topics further or share their own experiences.

About Pain Concern

Pain Concern is a UK-based charity that supports people living with chronic pain and those who care for them. The organisation produces reliable, accessible information across multiple platforms, including the Airing Pain podcast, Pain Matters magazine, expert-led leaflets, and a comprehensive website. Social media is also used to share the latest updates and resources.

Support is offered through a dedicated helpline, where trained volunteers provide information and a listening ear. Pain Concern also hosts a vibrant online community on HealthUnlocked, offering a space for individuals to connect, share experiences, and support one another.

In addition to information and support, Pain Concern is active in research, policy, and campaigning. The charity’s work includes projects like Breaking Barriers and the development of the Self-Management Navigator Tool. Pain Concern is a member of key advisory groups and works in partnership with organisations such as the British Pain Society and the International Association for the Study of Pain to advocate for improved pain services and greater awareness.

How to book

To join this session, please login or register in our Portal area. The session is free to join if you have a monthly or yearly subscription.

You do not need a subscription to join, as you can register and provide a donation for the class. The suggested amount for the class is £7. If you’re unable to make a donation, please follow the instructions within the portal listing to join us for free.

A recording will be made available on the portal after the session and can be viewed if you have booked a ticket either before or after the session has taken place.

If you would like to know more or you are having trouble registering, please contact us at register@ms-uk.org.