The Swedish Pain Society

The Swedish Pain Society (SPS) was established in 1995, initially known as Svenskt Smärtforum. It was founded in response to a clear need within the professional community for a platform dedicated to discussions on pain research and its clinical applications. The organization is headquartered in Sweden and operates as a non-profit association. Over the years, it has expanded to include a diverse range of professionals such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers, and occupational therapists, as well as specialists in pediatric pain, orofacial pain, and basic pain researchers.

The Swedish Pain Society exists to promote collaboration, development, and education in pain diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, and clinical practice in Sweden. It aims to influence public opinion regarding pain management and clinical pain issues. The organization is multidisciplinary and multiprofessional, and it has been a member of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and affiliated with the European Pain Federation (EFIC) since 2010.

The organization supports individuals and groups dealing with various pain conditions, including chronic pain, pediatric pain, orofacial pain, and those involved in pain research and clinical practice.

The Swedish Pain Society engages in several key activities:

• Advocacy for improved pain management and treatment standards.
• Educational initiatives, including workshops and seminars.
• Direct support programs for patients and healthcare professionals.
• Organizing the annual Smärtforum conference, a major event for pain research and clinical practice discussions.

The organization provides various forms of support to patients and their families, including:

• Information hotlines for guidance on pain management.
• Consultations with pain specialists.
• Educational materials and resources on pain and its management.
• Workshops and training sessions for healthcare professionals.

The Swedish Pain Society has successfully grown its annual Smärtforum from a small informal meeting to a well-attended conference with over 500 delegates. This event serves as a significant platform for discussing important topics and presenting new research findings in the field of pain management.