Chronic pain can be categorised as nociceptive, neuropathic or nociplastic based on the underlying pathophysiology. It is considered a disease in its own right and can be sub-classified to differentiate types of chronic pain syndromes. Chronic primary pain is defined as pain in one or more anatomical regions, persisting or recurring for more than 3 months, and associated with significant emotional distress or interference with activities of daily life e.g. fibromyalgia or complex regional pain syndrome. Chronic secondary pain includes six subgroups where pain has initially developed as a symptom of another disorder or disease process e.g. chronic cancer-related pain and chronic neuropathic pain.

The experience of pain is a consequence of a variety of biological, psychological, and social factors and a wide range of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are available. Pharmacological management involves opioid agents and non-opioid medications including simple analgesics, topical lidocaine, and capsaicin, anti-epilepsy drugs and antidepressants. Tolerance to opioids can develop rapidly. Misuse and abuse are increasing concerns. Non-pharmacological interventions include psychological and physical therapies. Patient engagement in the process is key and an interdisciplinary approach is recommended which focusses on the individual patient and uses a shared-decision model.