A local patient support group is starting soon for people suffering from chronic pain.

The group is the brainchild of Brady O'Hanlon, who suffers from chronic back pain and is a veteran of hospital and doctor office waiting rooms.

"Over the years, I've had several spine surgeries and countless outpatient procedures," said O'Hanlon, 33, of King George County. "In many instances, I've met people with similar challenges and have always enjoyed those, 'So what are you in for?' conversations."

Chatting with others who face similar challenges in managing chronic pain, "always made me feel really good," he said.

He has a compassionate wife, he said. Yet, "Sometimes it's hard, I would suspect, even for a spouse to understand what it's like living with daily pain."

The group has the backing of Dr. Bhavin Suthar of Virginia Interventional Spine Associates and Dr. Anne Truong of Truong Rehabilitation Center and may meet at both locations.

For now, there's a meeting scheduled for Nov. 12 at Truong's center.

To learn more, visit truong rehab.com and click on the calendar, which also will note an upcoming fibromyalgia support group. Or, call Suthar's office at 540/374-3233.