You can't see pain, but it's often described as blinding. For some, it's a dull ache. For others it's a stabbing, lighting bolt. It can be fleeting, or it might never go away. According to the American Pain Foundation, pain affects more Americans than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Like more than 76 million Americans who have suffered extended pain. One Central Florida man has spent much of his life searching for a solution.

Rowe Jones put up with pain for 25 years. He saw doctor after doctor hoping to find a cure for his agony. "I'd gone to all of these doctors but we could never figure it out," Rowe said.

Rowe learned dealing with chronic pain can break a man, or build him. He used it to grow stronger. "I tried to never stop smiling," Rowe said. "I always wanted to smile through this because we only have one life, we only have one day and we need to make the best of it, in my opinion and I think there is a solution for everyone out there."

Finally, he did find the answer. Compressed nerves at the stem of his brain fired those shots of agony that tore through his jaw, his neck and his stomach. Rowe said, "It's so great to be on the other side so to speak, but I have days where I feel no pain and that's especially great."

Doctor Scott Brady has treated a lot of patients like Rowe. "One doctor says it's an anatomical and structural issue, and another says that's normal and it's a psychological issue, so patients are confused, " said Dr. Brady.

Having suffered pain himself, Dr. Brady has written a book on it. "A couple of years ago, the state of Florida released some figures that said two out of three households in Florida had someone who experiences chronic, persistent pain, so its a big problem," said Dr. Brady.

Now, Rowe, the lifelong pain sufferer and Doctor Brady and other specialists are teaming up to appear at the Pain Expo here in Orlando. Rowe is organizing the event with the help of his wife. "I'm hoping the Pain Expo exposes people to a variety of solutions to chronic pain and you'll find people will hopefully get out of pain," said Dr. Brady.

---

Learn More About The Pain Expo

---

And even if their pain doesn't go away, Rowe hopes people will learn what he learned: to be happy with their lives.

When it comes to dealing with pain or any health problem, knowledge is power. There are a variety of drug and non drug therapies available that you should discuss with your doctor.You also might want to check the schedule for the upcoming Pain Expo here in Orlando by clicking on the Web Links section of WFTV.com.