Chronic pain is pain that lasts more than 3 months or longer than expected for healing after surgery, injury or a condition. The cause may also be unknown. It is sometimes called 'persistent pain'.
Chronic pain can be caused by an ongoing condition, such as nerve pain or migraine, among others.
Opioids out of balance
Managing chronic non-cancer pain requires health professionals to balance the benefits and harms of all treatments.
RADAR: Opioids
Changes made to support the appropriate prescribing and use of opioids, and reduce harms.
Podcast: Acute and chronic pain management
Dr Simon Holliday, a rural GP and addiction physician, speaks with NPS MedicineWise Medical Advisor Dr Jill Thistlethwaite about the use of codeine for the management of acute and chronic pain.
If not opioids, then what?
Opioid medicines have a limited role in chronic non-cancer pain. An emphasis on active self-management is a better way to improve function and quality of life for people living with chronic pain.
For more information...
Opioids, chronic pain and the bigger picture
Opioid medicines in chronic non-cancer pain – balancing opioid-related harm with effective pain management and quality of life.
Neuropathic pain
Accurate diagnosis is key to optimal management of this challenging condition.
Low back pain
Providing reassurance, encouraging activity and reducing reliance on imaging.
Opioids: New and amended PBS listings
Changes made to support the appropriate prescribing and use of opioids, and reduce harms.
Medicinal cannabis: what you need to know
Information and resources about medicinal cannabis for consumers and health professionals.
Choosing Wisely Australia
Choosing Wisely recommendations for opioids across different healthcare settings.
