Learn about the causes & what you can do to help manage it
If you’re experiencing pain that won’t go away and it’s getting in the way of your daily life, you’re not alone – chronic pain affects over a third of adults in the UK. To help you understand your chronic pain better and lead a fuller life, we’re here with expert answers to your pain relief questions.
What is chronic pain & what causes it?
Chronic pain is pain that persists for longer than three months. It can come and go or be a constant pain, and it can happen anywhere in the body.
It’s not always obvious what causes chronic pain. It might develop after an illness or old injury where the pain carries on even after you’ve healed. Or there could be an ongoing cause like migraines, period pain, arthritis and some other underlying health conditions.
What are common symptoms of chronic pain?
Physical symptoms include burning, aching, shooting, stiffness, soreness and throbbing. Long-term pain can lead to other symptoms like:
- Anxiety
- Lack of sleep and feeling very tired
- Mood swings
- Feeling lonely, sad, hopeless or overwhelmed
- Finding it hard to go to work, eat properly, socialise or do everyday activities
What’s the difference between chronic pain & other pain?
Chronic pain is different from acute pain, which is usually sudden and goes away once your body heals. If you’re not sure on the type of pain you have, try our Pain Selector Tool to identify the area, type and intensity.
Unlike acute pain, chronic pain:
- Can’t always be explained or helped easily with medicine
- Can cause lasting changes to your daily life
- Can make you feel low, anxious or hopeless
Treating chronic pain
You might be able to manage your pain at home through healthy habits like gentle exercise like walking, swimming or yoga, as well as getting support from your workplace. Physical therapy and painkillers for short-term relief can also help.
When self-care isn’t enough, prescription treatment may help. You can speak to your GP or alternatively access Boots Online Doctor which provides convenient, discreet treatment, if suitable, for certain types of pain. They offer both a Period Pain Relief service* and a Migraine Treatment service*. There’s no need for an in-person conversation and if they prescribe treatment, you can have it delivered to an address of your choice or collect it at your nearest Boots store.
When to see a doctor for chronic pain
Some people might feel like they should try and live with chronic pain and not seek help, but ignoring symptoms can make them worse and create a cycle that’s hard to break.
You should see a doctor if:
- You experience pain for longer than three months (even if it comes and goes)
- Over-the-counter medicine isn't working
- Your pain interferes with daily life
- You’re feeling very low, irritable or tired because of pain
- Your pain gets worse or you’ve developed new symptoms
A GP might carry out a physical examination, ask you about your pain history and check for signs of any illness that could be causing it.
It may also be helpful to see a pain specialist. They can work with your doctor and other healthcare professionals to create a pain management plan that’s unique to you. This could include a combination of medicine, lifestyle changes and therapies.
Pain clinics might also offer a pain management programme (PMP). They’re usually group sessions and are designed to help you enjoy life despite your pain. Sessions could include exercise, meditation and mindfulness, and group talks to help manage emotions.
Remember, pain is personal. That’s why we’re here to help support you on your journey back to feeling more like yourself again.
