Did you know that chronic pain is the planet’s most burdensome health issue?

Did you know that it costs our communities more than cancer and diabetes combined? Not to mention the massive social, economic and emotional burden on sufferers and their families – over 15% of Australians have a chronic pain condition that reduces their quality of life.

Scientific evidence shows that the first step towards reducing this massive burden is to increase understanding of the problem and its solution.

PainAdelaide is a collaboration between our three major universities, Pfizer, WorkcoverSA, MAC, The RAH, and SAHMRI (the groovy new medical research building on North Terrace!). We are a network of scientists, health professionals and consumers who are dedicated to taking on this massive challenge.

The Ride for Pain is one way you can help, and help yourself in the process. This is a unique, challenging and altogether fantastic community cycling event. It will be intentionally tough.

We want to give you an insight into what it is like to have chronic pain and what it takes to recover. Everyone either has chronic pain, is related to someone who does, plays, works or goes to school with someone who does – this is everyone’s problem.

Adelaide is one of the most important pain research and management centres on the planet. Now it is your turn to get involved. Take on your pain challenge. Can you ride for six hours? Four? Even two. It is all about YOU conquering YOUR pain challenge.

Start preparing now for what stands to become Adelaide’s premier cycling challenge. Take it on!

“Pain is one of the most awful human experiences, which is what makes it one of the most effective – it makes us protect our body. Chronic pain occurs when biological processes keep telling the brain that the body is in danger. The huge challenge of pain is that it is not simply about your body, but about your brain’s evaluation of threat to your body. The factors that contribute to pain can be really complex and sometimes very difficult to spot. All pain, 100% of the time, is a perception constructed by our brain. Scientific studies clearly show that once we realise this complexity of pain and that pain is an intensely individual and personal thing, once we know it in the belly of our nervous system, we greatly increase our chances of recovery. By riding in the Ride for Pain, you will help us reduce the massive personal and societal cost of chronic pain. We really REALLY appreciate your support.”

Professor Lorimer Moseley PhD FACP

Professor of Clinical Neurosciences & Chair, PainAdelaide