MIDDLETOWN, CONN. (Sept. 24, 2018)—This month sees the release of U.S. Pain’s latest issue of the INvisible Project, the only magazine of its kind dedicated to the sharing the stories of people living with pain. This issue focuses on osteoarthritis and chronic lower back pain, two of the most common causes of chronic pain, which affects as many as 100 million American adults. Due to that focus, this issue hopes to resonate with a record number of people.

The INvisible Project was first published in 2010 as a way to create more awareness about the trials and triumphs of people living with pain. It helps demonstrate that patients are more than a diagnosis, and that a full life is still possible despite physical limitations. Last year, an estimated 30,000 copies were distributed. Patients’ stories are also featured on displays, which are then exhibited at conferences and events across the country.

This issue features inspiring and motivating stories from the entire spectrum of patients with osteoarthritis and low back pain. From a Boston Marathon survivor to a grandmother who started her very own support group to a professional athlete using exercise to manage his symptoms, the 10 people profiled in this issue are examples of the diversity of the individuals pain affects.

“We started the INvisible Project to a shine a light on the invisible struggles of chronic pain,” says Nicole Hemmenway, Interim CEO of U.S. Pain and director of the project. “Pain can’t be seen, which means it’s easy to misunderstand and overlook it These stories and photos help to illustrate the complexities and challenges of a life with daily pain. We hope they start a dialogue about chronic pain in America.”

Some examples of the stories in the INvisible Project Osteoarthritis and Chronic Lower Back Pain issue:

• Ryan Rankin, who was injured playing sports and diagnosed with osteoarthritis at 28. His blog, My Life With Osteoarthritis, chronicles his long battle with this and other medical issues, as well as his goals as a hiker. He successfully summited Mt. Whitney in 2016 and is on the lookout for the next challenge to tackle.
• Lynn Julian, who was injured during the Boston Marathon Bombing. She had spent the previous years working her way back to health after other setbacks and building a career as a budding actress, when the bombing injured her all over again. Despite that, she manages her constellation of chronic pain issues with equanimity, and has found that involvement in advocacy groups allows her the satisfaction of helping others in pain.
• Katy Brennan, a 16 year old who already has years of experience with an assortment of chronic pain conditions. When her lower back hurt, her doctors brushed off her concerns and assumed that the cause was one of the issues she already had. After finally receiving a diagnosis for that pain, she found her calling, writing more than 30 articles for varying outlets online that encompass her honest, raw feelings about who she is, her pain, and the need for societal compassion and change.

This edition also features articles with tips and resources for living with these two conditions. To read the stories in this issue, visit the INvisible Project website. To request a copy, email [email protected].

About U.S. Pain Foundation

U.S. Pain Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of people living with chronic conditions that cause pain. Founded in 2011, its mission is to empower, support, connect and advocate for people living with painful conditions. For more information, visit www.uspainfoundation.org.

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