Moving Beyond the War on Pain
Webinar 19 Jun, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (AEST)
This series is ideal for GPs seeking to deepen their understanding of pain, enhance their communication with patients, and improve the quality of care for individuals experiencing chronic pain.
From “fighting pain” to “battling disease,” medicine—and society—are steeped in war metaphors. While intended to empower, these threat-based narratives can actually reinforce fear and amplify pain. In this session, we’ll explore how the language we use—especially in imaging reports and patient conversations—can shape a person’s pain experience. We’ll also discuss nociplastic pain, where pain persists without clear structural damage, and how both central sensitisation and threat-based narratives can drive this process. What can GPs do differently? We’ll cover practical realistic communication strategies to foster safety rather than fear, helping patients reframe their relationship with their bodies and their pai
Learning outcomes
- Identify how war metaphors and threat-based narratives impact pain perception and patient outcomes.
- Explain nociplastic pain and how persistent pain can arise without structural damage.
- Recognize the unintended consequences of certain clinical practices, such as imaging overuse and fear-inducing language.
- Implement practical communication strategies to foster safety, reassurance, and patient empowerment.
Educational Activities
1.5
hours
This event is part of Practical Pain Neuroscience for GPs: Tools for Everyday Practice. Events in this series are:
Speaker
Dr Adele Stewart
Chair, RACGP Specific Interests Pain Management and Accredited Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Teacher
Dr Adele Stewart MBBS FRACGP has been a GP for over 30 years in the Illawarra. Adele has gained Recognition of Extended Skills in Psychological Medicine for Fellows of the RACGP. Her special interests include pain neuroscience, complex trauma, mindfulness and chronic pelvic pain. Adele is a certified Mindfulness Teacher and has co-created a successful mindfulness programme for patients experiencing chronic pain “Pain to Peace”.