Former rugby star Luke Fitzgerald speaks at chronic pain campaign

FORMER Ireland and Leinster rugby player Luke Fitzgerald spoke at the launch of a new campaign about his own experience of living with chronic pain. 

The campaign, #TodayIsBetter, created by Pfizer in partnership with the Irish Pharmacy Union, Arthritis Ireland, Chronic Pain Ireland, Fibro Ireland, the Irish Cancer Society, and the Migraine Association of Ireland, encourages people like Luke who live with chronic pain to speak out about their experience to ensure their voices are heard by everyone in society.  

This will lead to a greater understanding of what it’s like to live daily experiencing chronic pain. 

As part of the #TodayIsBetter initiative, a dedicated campaign website, www.TodayIsBetter.ie was launched to give those with chronic pain an opportunity to have their say on what would really help them to have a better day – at work, at home, when socialising, or on their daily commute.

#TodayIsBetter campaign ambassador Luke Fitzgerald said: “Many people are aware of the injuries I have had in the past that affected my rugby career. 

“However, what people might not be aware of is the chronic pain I live with every day. I first experienced chronic pain in 2015 after being diagnosed with bulging discs in my cervical spine. 

“I try alleviating the pain with regular exercise and by ensuring my neck is in a neutral position/non-aggravating position while doing everyday tasks.

“Like many people with chronic pain, everyday things cause me considerable pain. For example, staring at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time can really cause me a lot of discomfort, from headaches to stiffness and loss of feeling.”

Daragh Connolly, President of the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) said: “Chronic pain does not command significant attention but it is a debilitating condition, which can seriously affect the quality of life of a sufferer.  

“Chronic pain can negatively affect patients’ functional ability, quality of life and mood.  

“Pharmacists have a key role to play by providing advice and helping patients to categorise the type of pain they are experiencing.”