The British Pain Society (BPS)

The British Pain Society is the oldest and largest multidisciplinary professional organization in the field of pain within the UK. Chronic pain is suffered by over a third of the population. It is commonly distressing and commonly highly disabling. It is devastating for individuals who suffer.

Treatment of pain is a fundamental human right, yet sadly there is an enormous gap between the care people require and what happens in practice. BPS also do not know enough about the cause and treatment of pain. Our alliance of professionals works collaboratively with patients and industry partners to advance the understanding and management of pain. BPS strive to reduce the suffering of people enduring daily pain.

The Society was first registered as a charity on 29 November 1979 as the Intractable Pain Society of Great Britain and Ireland with membership limited primarily to anesthetists working in pain clinics. Over time, the membership of the Society became increasingly multidisciplinary and in 1988, the Society changed its name to the Pain Society. From this point until mid-2004, the Society's membership and activities continued to grow.