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What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain refers to persistent and ongoing pain that lasts beyond the normal healing time after an injury or illness. It typically lasts for about 3 to 6 months or even longer. Chronic pain can vary in intensity, ranging from mild to severe, and is experienced on most days of the week.

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What causes chronic pain?
Chronic pain can result from various factors such as injuries, surgeries, musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, or other medical conditions like cancer, endometriosis, or migraines. In some cases, the exact physical cause may not be apparent. It can occur due to damage to body tissues from acute or chronic conditions, or changes in the nerves and nervous system, which continue to signal pain even after the original condition has healed.
How common is chronic pain in Australia?
Chronic pain is quite common in Australia, particularly among individuals aged 45 and over. Approximately one in five Australians in this age group (19%, or 1.6 million people) reported having chronic pain in 2016. The prevalence of chronic pain tends to increase with age, affecting almost one in four adults aged 85 and over.
What are the effects of chronic pain on a person's life?
Chronic pain can have a significant impact on a person's life. It can make it difficult to carry out daily activities, including work, school, social engagements, and physical tasks such as household chores and exercising. People with chronic pain often experience challenges with sleeping and may be at a higher risk of falling, deteriorating mobility, and disability, particularly among older adults.
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What are some risk factors for developing chronic pain?
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing chronic pain. These include being female, increasing age, genetic predisposition, and environmental influences such as socioeconomic disadvantage. Additionally, certain behavioral risk factors have been associated with chronic pain, such as physical inactivity, smoking, and being overweight or obese.
What are some long-term health conditions associated with chronic pain?
Several long-term health conditions are often associated with chronic pain. These conditions include musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis and back pain, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, asthma, stroke, bowel disease, and mental health disorders. There can be a two-way relationship between chronic pain and mental health, where chronic pain can lead to psychological distress, and psychological symptoms may increase the risk of chronic pain.
How is chronic pain treated and managed?
The treatment and management of chronic pain can vary depending on the individual and their specific condition. It often involves a combination of treatments. If you are experiencing chronic pain, you should speak to a doctor about the right treatment for you.
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