by Linda Caddick

Earlier this year, I attended the NZ Pain Society’s National Conference – a four-day deep dive into all things pain: how we experience it, how we treat it, and how the words we use can make a big difference to how we feel.

Over 40 talks covered everything from arthritis and migraines to digital tools, AI, and even the role of music and virtual reality (VR) in reducing pain. It was a huge event, with something for everyone working in pain care and those of us living with pain, too.

Key themes that stood out

The words we use matter – especially in arthritis

One of the most powerful talks was from Australian researcher and Associate Professor Tasha Stanton. She discussed osteoarthritis (OA) and how common phrases like “bone on bone” or “wear and tear” can actually make people feel worse.

Why? Because they suggest the joint is broken and can’t cope with movement, when in fact the opposite is often true. Research shows that gentle exercise and staying active help reduce pain, support joint health, and improve mood.

Tasha suggested using more hopeful, accurate phrases, like:
“Cartilage loves movement, it gets its nutrients from being used.”
“Your joints are adaptable and can improve.”
“There are some changes in your scans, they are just like wrinkles, they’re normal with age.”

She also reminded us that pain from OA doesn’t always mean more damage. In fact, our nervous system can become overly sensitive over time, especially when stress, poor sleep, fear, or anxiety are added into the mix. This means your pain might feel worse, even if your joint isn’t worsening.

Her three key messages for managing OA are ones we already stand by at Arthritis NZ:
1. Learn more about your condition
2. Stay active (start low and go slow!)
3. Reduce inflammation in healthy ways

New tech is making a difference

There were some fascinating sessions on using virtual reality to manage chronic pain, including one study showing how it helped people with knee OA feel less pain and exercise more.

Culture, equity, and the importance of listening

Seeing Māori and Pacific models of care represented throughout the conference was encouraging. One talk by Dr Leinani Aiono-Le Tagaloa focused on her journey as a pain specialist working to achieve equity for Tangata Whenua and Pacific peoples.

Lived experience was also a big theme. We heard from people who live with chronic pain every day, sharing how peer support, self-management, and being listened to made the most significant difference in their care.

Pain is complex, but not impossible to manage

A key message from the entire conference was that pain is more than just a physical problem. It’s connected to our thoughts, emotions, stress, beliefs, and relationships. That means we need more than pills or surgery to treat it.

Exercise, good sleep, healthy food, self-kindness, and helpful information all play a part. So do the words your doctor or health professionals use, and how you talk to yourself.

One last reflection

After four full days of listening, learning, and talking to others in the pain space, I left feeling a bit overwhelmed, but also hopeful.
We’re making progress. Slowly but surely, we’re moving away from fear-based messages and towards evidence-based support that helps people with arthritis live better, more confident lives, which is something worth celebrating.

Image credit: The New Zealand Pain Society