Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than three months. Chronic pain is quite common in Australia affecting over 3.6 million people. It’s also the leading cause of disability.

Different medical conditions, injury and even surgery can lead to chronic pain. This type of pain can vary from mild to severe and can affect many different parts of the body.

Unlike acute pain, which usually resolves when the underlying cause heals or is treated, chronic pain is a complex condition caused by biological, psychological and social factors. It’s also associated with changes to the way the brain perceives pain which means chronic pain can become a condition in itself. Managing chronic pain usually involves seeing a few different types of health professionals.