Chronic, or persistent, pain is pain that lasts longer than three months following the initial onset. It may not respond to standard medical treatment.
Pain works as a warning signal and is our body’s way of keeping us safe. It can stop us from overdoing things or from doing anything that might make an injury worse.
Normally, as our body tissues recover, pain will go away. However, with chronic pain, it can continue after the injury has healed. This is because the body’s nerves continue to generate pain signals. Around 25% of the UK population live with long-term chronic pain.
Over time, people with chronic pain often report they become less and less active. They may have to give up enjoyable activity and exercise as a result. Day-to-day tasks can become more difficult. Living with long-term pain can start to affect people’s mental health and general wellbeing.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for chronic, or persistent, pain. It can settle with time, but for the vast majority, it will continue over a long period. However, many people can learn strategies to help reduce the intensity of pain.
Learning ways to manage your pain can help you to live as well as possible even though your pain may not disappear. There are ways to become more active, and enjoy activity and exercise despite pain. People may need help and support to achieve this.
For further advice about learning to manage and live well with your pain, visit Home - Live Well with Pain
You can find out more about Northumbria Healthcare's Living Well with Pain team here. Please discuss with your healthcare professional if you think you need this service.