Dr Nick Aitcheson, Director of the Metro South Pain Rehabilitation Centre, is set to embark on an ambitious journey this September. As part of the 2024 Pain Revolution Outreach Tour, Dr Aitcheson will cycle 800km across rural Victoria from September 14 to 21. His mission? To raise awareness and funds for improving chronic pain care in remote areas of Australia.
The ride is particularly significant for Dr Aitcheson due to his personal experience with chronic pain.
“I had three years of chronic pain in my early twenties,” said Dr Aitcheson.
“I truly believe that my recovery would have been much faster with the kind of treatment that this ride supports. This challenge is meaningful because it aims to provide access to up-to-date pain care and build local capacity for sustainable pain management in rural Australia.”
Chronic pain, Dr Aitcheson explains, is an often-overlooked condition that has profound effects on people’s lives.
“Chronic pain is an invisible disability that can strip away jobs, relationships, happiness, and identity,”
“It’s crucial for people to understand that managing chronic pain often doesn’t involve just medication or surgery. It’s about helping the body and mind learn to manage pain in a way that reduces its threat over time.”
Throughout the week, Dr Aitcheson will cover about 120km per day and participate in public pain forums each evening. The event will bring together around 20 other pain professionals, all dedicated to improving pain care standards and educating the public.
“I just want to finish the ride without too many injuries,” he said.
“But more importantly, I hope to meet other pain clinicians and researchers from around Australia. I want to link the Metro South Pain Rehabilitation Centre with this broader network to stay updated on the latest advances in pain treatment and enhance support for our community members living with pain.”
Support for Dr Aitcheson’s ride can be shown through donations to his fundraising campaign. Dr Aitcheson is covering all personal expenses, so every dollar donated directly benefits the Pain Revolution charity. Additional information about chronic pain care can be found at the Pain Revolution website or Metro South Pain Rehabilitation Centre.