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.
![OPioid Balance Getty Images-917892508](https://www.nps.org.au/assets/_350x225_crop_center-center_80_none/OPioidBalanceGettyImages-917892508.jpg)
Opioids out of balance
Managing chronic non-cancer pain requires health professionals to balance the benefits and harms of all treatments.
![Rad](https://www.nps.org.au/assets/_350x225_crop_center-center_80_none/rad.jpg)
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.
![Opioids MWN](https://www.nps.org.au/assets/_350x225_crop_center-center_80_none/OpioidsMWN.jpg)
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_New_Comp_Digital_1080x600px](https://www.nps.org.au/assets/NPS/images/_350x225_crop_center-center_80_none/Opioids_New_Comp_Digital_1080x600px.jpg)
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.
![Nerve-cells-main-shutterstock_774757993](https://www.nps.org.au/assets/NPS/images/_350x225_crop_center-center_80_none/Nerve-cells-main-shutterstock_774757993.jpg)
Neuropathic pain
Accurate diagnosis is key to optimal management of this challenging condition.
![LBP marketing image with icons](https://www.nps.org.au/assets/_350x225_crop_center-center_80_none/48fd1675bae1369f-b3f3907242d9-LowBackPain_SpineIcons_v4_PullOut_Web_555x367px.png)
Low back pain
Providing reassurance, encouraging activity and reducing reliance on imaging.
![Opioidschanges Getty Images-1225013605](https://www.nps.org.au/assets/NPS/images/_350x225_crop_center-center_80_none/opioidschangesGettyImages-1225013605.jpg)
Opioids: New and amended PBS listings
Changes made to support the appropriate prescribing and use of opioids, and reduce harms.
![Medicinal Cannabis_Carousel](https://www.nps.org.au/assets/NPS/images/_350x225_crop_center-center_80_none/MedicinalCannabis_Carousel.png)
Medicinal cannabis: what you need to know
Information and resources about medicinal cannabis for consumers and health professionals.
![Cw-logo](https://www.nps.org.au/assets/NPS/images/_350x225_crop_center-center_80_none/cw-logo.png)
Choosing Wisely Australia
Choosing Wisely recommendations for opioids across different healthcare settings.
![Getty Images-1220131127-pills-in-hand](https://www.nps.org.au/assets/NPS/images/_350x225_crop_center-center_80_none/GettyImages-1220131127-pills-in-hand.jpg)