So, when did you last experience a pain in the neck? 
Oh no, not the human kind! Hey, we all meet those from time to time, thats just life!
What I mean is that deep searing burning sensation, which spreads from your neck, then into your shoulders, and seems impossible to escape from?
Or the deep dull ache in your lower back which makes you wince at every move? 
Can you imagine having to live with that every day of your life?
Well, thats a very small indication of chronic pain, which affects one 1 in 5 of the worlds population, causing misery and wrecking lives.
It’s a serious and and debilitating condition which costs the UK economy, a staggering £18 billion a year (almost $30 billion) and 208 million lost days of work.
Over the last two years I’ve been liaising with Dr Peter Mackenzie, a dedicated and tireless consultant anaesthetist, at the Royal Victoria hospital in Glasgow. Pete has worked with a relentless zeal to source funding to produce an educational film about this debilitating condition. It’s focus is to help junior anaesthetists communicate more effectively.
Earlier this year Dr Mackenzie was awarded an advisory role to Government for his work in chronic pain. His colleague at the Royal Victoria, Dr David Craig – lead psychologist in pain management – then effortlessly and efficiently continued as co-ordinator of the project.
Not only is it humbling to work in the company of such dedicated professionals, its also a very great privilege and rewarding experience to be associated with such a vital subject.
This morning we’re in Glasgow with our film crew to begin shooting the film for the NHS which has been supported by Pfizer, Grunenthal and Napp.
Over the next five days – in pictures, film clips and words – you’ll meet our team; the consultants, the patients, the actors and our crew, who are involved in the making of the film, and find out what you can do to help yourself or others who suffer from this exhausting and emotionally draining condition.
Please share this with your friends, family or colleagues and help spread the word about managing an effective approach to chronic pain.
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