Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists beyond the time you would expect an injury to heal (around 3-6 months). The word ‘chronic’ simply means that it is ongoing. It doesn’t indicate how bad the pain is. Chronic pain relates more to what’s happening in our nervous system, than to any injury. Over time, our nerves can become sensitised and overactive, which means we continue to feel pain, even if there is no physical evidence of tissue damage. Studies suggest that chronic pain can impact on an individual’s quality of life, limiting their ability to perform daily tasks, and sometimes leading to emotional distress. The experience of pain, including chronic pain, is complex. It involves our minds as well as our body, and is often influenced by genetics, culture, our thoughts, previous pain experiences, and stress.

Psychological treatments for pain can help alter how your brain processes pain sensations. One way to do this is to learn to challenge any unhelpful thoughts you have about pain. Negative, unhelpful, unrealistic thoughts can lead to increased perception of pain, anxiety, anger and depression, social isolation and withdrawal, lower activity, over-reliance on pain medications and poor sleep.