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Chronic Pain

What is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is pain that persists beyond the expected healing time, typically lasting longer than 3–6 months. It may be linked to a known medical condition—such as arthritis, injury, or an autoimmune illness—or it may occur without a clear ongoing physical cause.

 

Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal of injury, chronic pain often becomes a condition in its own right, involving ongoing changes in how the nervous system processes pain.

 

Importantly, chronic pain is real and valid, whether or not a clear medical explanation is found.

Understanding Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is now understood as a biopsychosocial experience, meaning it is influenced by an interaction between:

  • Physical factors (e.g. injury, inflammation, nerve sensitivity)

  • Psychological factors (e.g. thoughts, emotions, attention)

  • Behavioural factors (e.g. activity levels, avoidance, coping strategies)

 

This does not mean the pain is “in your head.” Rather, it reflects how the brain and body work together in processing pain.

 

For many people, focusing solely on medical treatments (e.g. medication) is not enough. A broader approach that includes psychological support can significantly improve quality of life.

The Impact of Chronic Pain

Living with chronic pain can affect many areas of life:

 

Physical impact

 

Emotional impact

 

Behavioural impact

  • Avoidance of activity or movement

  • Reduced participation in work or social life

  • Difficulty maintaining routines

  • Loss of confidence and independence

 

For some people, the lack of a clear diagnosis can add an additional layer of distress, including feeling misunderstood or not believed.

How Common is Chronic Pain? (UK Statistics)

  • Around 1 in 3 adults in the UK live with some form of chronic pain

  • This equates to millions of people across England

  • Chronic pain is more common with increasing age, but can affect people at any stage of life

  • A significant proportion experience moderate to severely disabling pain

What Treatment do we offer?

While there may not always be a complete cure, treatment focuses on:

  • Reducing the impact of pain

  • Improving daily functioning and quality of life

  • Supporting emotional wellbeing

 

Psychological therapies are a key part of modern pain management.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a well-established approach for chronic pain. It helps you to:

  • Understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviours influence pain

  • Reduce unhelpful thinking patterns (e.g. catastrophising)

  • Develop practical coping strategies

  • Improve activity levels in a manageable way

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT has a strong evidence base for chronic pain. It focuses on:

  • Reducing the struggle with pain

  • Increasing psychological flexibility

  • Helping you engage in meaningful activities, even with pain present

  • Shifting focus from “eliminating pain” to “living well”

Pain Management and Pacing

A key component of treatment involves:

  • Pacing activities to avoid “boom and bust” cycles

  • Gradually increasing consistency rather than overexertion

  • Balancing activity and rest

Mindfulness-Based Approaches

These approaches support:

  • Changing your relationship with pain

  • Reducing reactivity and distress

  • Increasing present-moment awareness

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)

Chronic pain is often accompanied by self-criticism or frustration. CFT helps:

  • Develop self-compassion

  • Reduce emotional suffering

  • Support a kinder, more sustainable way of coping

How Therapy Can Help

Therapy provides a space to:

  • Make sense of your pain experience

  • Learn practical strategies to manage symptoms

  • Reduce the emotional burden of pain

  • Rebuild confidence and independence

  • Plan for and manage flare-ups

 

It can also help you reconnect with aspects of life that may have been lost or reduced due to pain.

Living with Chronic Pain

Living well with chronic pain often involves shifting from a focus on cure to a focus on management and quality of life.

 

With the right support, many people find ways to:

  • Reduce the intensity and impact of pain

  • Improve mood and sleep

  • Increase activity and engagement

  • Regain a sense of control and purpose

 

Progress is often gradual, but meaningful improvements are absolutely possible.

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