September | Pain Awareness Month

September | Pain Awareness Month

Every September, awareness activities are conducted worldwide during Pain Awareness Month to draw attention to the impact of pain on individuals and society. This year, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) designated “Neuropathic Pain” as the theme for 2026.

Neuropathic pain is an important health problem affecting approximately 7–10% of the general adult population. It is defined as chronic pain that develops as a result of damage to or disease of the nervous system, may manifest as burning, stabbing, freezing, tingling, or electric shock-like sensations, and can lead to a marked reduction in quality of life.

In the management of neuropathic pain, reducing hyperexcitability in the nervous system, strengthening inhibitory mechanisms that suppress pain, and regulating the nervous system and immune response are among the potential treatment approaches.

Within the scope of these mechanisms, the potential role of vitamin D in neuropathic pain is also being investigated. It has been suggested that vitamin D may be associated with neuropathic pain processes through mechanisms such as protecting nerve cells and reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

Current data indicate that vitamin D may improve pain severity and activities of daily living, particularly in some patient groups in whom deficiency has been identified. Optimizing vitamin D levels in cases of neuropathic pain may be considered a complementary option within a multimodal treatment approach.

At Vefa İlaç, we continue to add value to patients’ treatment journeys through our work in healthcare.

#vefailac #ağrıfarkındalıkayı #painawerenessmonth #pain

References International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP). 2026 Global Year: Neuropathic Pain. 2026. Scholz J, et al. Classification Committee of the Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group (NeuPSIG). The IASP classification of chronic pain for ICD-11: chronic neuropathic pain. Pain. 2019;160(1):53-59. Smart K, et al. An Overview of Neuropathic Pain and Its Impact. International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP); 2026. Fact Sheet. Rahman W, Dickenson AH. Recent Developments in Neuropathic Pain Mechanisms: Implications for Treatment. Br J Pain. 2011;5(2):21-25. García-Domínguez M. The Role of Vitamin D in Neuropathic Pain: Biological Mechanisms and Clinical Relevance. Int J Mol Sci. 2026;27:4671.