Pain Matters
Since 1995, the magazine for people living with pain, and their health and care professionals
The latest ideas and advice about pain, from all around the world.
Our contributors are healthcare professionals, social scientists, researchers and people living with pain.
Each issue hosts new guest-editors, keeping content fresh and informed by a breadth of expertise.

‘offers readers practical tools and renewed hope’
‘‘translates the science into an understandable and workable approach’’
‘accessible and compassionate’
Current Issue
Pain Matters 91
#91. HOW DO NEURODIVERGENT PEOPLE EXPERIENCE PAIN DIFFERENTLY?
Common myths debunked, extra challenges explained, top tips for clinicians and people living with pain…
The world-class Bath Centre for Pain Services brings its daily experience with patients to illuminate, and advise on, the connections between neurodiversity and chronic pain.
Why Read Pain Matters Digitally?
Reading digitally lets you try an issue for free and includes an audio option that transforms the magazine into a podcast.
Subscribing digitally allows access to our entire digital back catalogue (issue #48 onwards).
Proceeds go to Pain Concern, helping us to help others.

If you cannot afford the cost of a digital or print subscription, please email us.
Recent Issues
-
Pain Matters 90
-
Pain Matters 89
-
Pain Matters 87
‘Pain is influenced by all aspects of life. Pain Matters covers a multitude of approaches and activities that can help us be active participants in our health and wellbeing, aiding our management of pain’
– guest editors Dr Cathy Stannard and Chris Davis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pain Matters magazine?
Pain Matters is a quarterly magazine published by Pain Concern since 1995. It’s designed for people living with pain and healthcare professionals who support them. Each issue brings you the latest ideas and advice about pain from around the world, featuring contributions from healthcare professionals, researchers, and people with lived experience of chronic pain.
Can I try Pain Matters before subscribing?
Yes! You can read digital issues for free to see if Pain Matters is right for you. The digital version includes an audio option that transforms the magazine into a podcast, making it easy to try before you commit to a subscription.
What’s the difference between digital and print subscriptions?
Digital subscription:
- Read on any device (tablet, phone, computer)
- Includes audio version (listen like a podcast)
- Access to entire back catalogue from issue #48 onwards
- Environmentally friendly option
Print subscription:
- Physical magazine delivered to your door
- Easy to read without screens
- Can be shared with family, friends, or healthcare providers
- Keep and revisit issues anytime
You can also subscribe to both formats if you’d like the best of both worlds!
How much does Pain Matters cost?
Subscription prices vary depending on whether you choose digital or print formats. Visit PocketMags for current pricing of digital subscriptions and single issues. Current print issue pricing can be found here.
All proceeds go directly to Pain Concern, helping us support more people living with chronic pain.
How often is Pain Matters published?
Pain Matters is published quarterly, which means you’ll receive four issues per year. Each issue features fresh content from guest editors, keeping the magazine informed and relevant with a breadth of expertise.
Does the digital version include audio?
Yes! Every digital issue includes an audio option that transforms the magazine into a podcast. This is perfect if you find reading difficult due to pain, fatigue, or visual impairment, or if you simply prefer to listen while doing other activities.
Can I access past issues?
Digital subscribers get access to our entire back catalogue from issue #48 onwards. This gives you a wealth of information, advice, and stories to explore at your own pace. Print back issues may be available to purchase separately – please contact us for availability.
What topics does Pain Matters cover?
Each issue covers a wide range of topics related to pain and wellbeing, including:
- Pain management strategies and techniques
- Latest research and scientific developments
- Personal stories from people living with chronic pain
- Therapeutic activities (books, art, movement, music)
- Advice from healthcare professionals
- Community initiatives and support resources
Every issue is curated by guest editors, ensuring diverse perspectives and up-to-date information.
Is Pain Matters suitable for healthcare professionals?
Absolutely! Pain Matters is written for both people living with pain and the healthcare professionals, social scientists, and researchers who support them. Many healthcare providers subscribe to stay informed about patient perspectives and the latest developments in pain management.
What if I can’t afford a subscription?
If you cannot afford the cost of a digital or print subscription, please email us.
What devices can I read Pain Matters on?
You can read the digital version of Pain Matters on:
- Tablets (iPad, Android tablets)
- Smartphones (iPhone, Android phones)
- Desktop computers (Mac, Windows)
- Laptops
The digital magazine is available through Pocketmags, which works on all major devices and platforms.
How do I subscribe to Pain Matters?
Subscribing is easy! Simply:
- For digital subscriptions, you can sign up on PocketMags.
- For print subscriptions, you can sign up here.
If you need any help with subscribing, please contact us and we’ll be happy to assist.
Where does my subscription money go?
All proceeds from Pain Matters subscriptions go directly to Pain Concern, a UK charity dedicated to helping people living with chronic pain. Your subscription helps fund:
- Free information resources for people with pain
- Community support and education initiatives
- Advocacy and awareness campaigns
By subscribing, you’re not only helping yourself – you’re helping us help others in the pain community.
How do I cancel my subscription?
We hope you’ll love Pain Matters, but if you need to cancel your print subscription, please contact us and we’ll process your cancellation. Digital subscriptions can typically be cancelled through your Pocketmags account settings.
