What is Chronic Pain?

Pain that lasts for more than three months or beyond what would be considered normal healing time is known as Chronic Pain. Conditions such as migraine, osteoporosis, arthritis and back pain are considered Chronic Pain but it can also include nerve pain, pelvic and abdominal pain, facial pain and ongoing pain after surgery. Acute short-term pain can become Chronic Pain if it is not treated or is poorly treated.

If pain remains untreated for a long time, there is greater risk of the body becoming sensitized to pain and the pain becoming long-term. The psychological effects of Chronic Pain, such as anxiety and depression, can reduce the quality of life of the person with the pain.

Chronic Pain and Medical Cannabis

Pharmaceutical treatments for Chronic Pain vary in their effectiveness and in some cases have significant side-effects as well as being unsuitable for long term use. Approximately 65% of the prescriptions for medical cannabis in Australia are to treat chronic non-cancer pain. As well as the potential for reducing pain, use of medical cannabis may include benefits such as improved sleep, better quality of life and improved mood. This in turn may contribute to improvements in Chronic Pain.

More effective drug therapy alternatives with fewer side effects are needed for pain relief. Further controlled trials are needed to verify the effectiveness of medical cannabis for pain relief as well to understand its potential side-effects and long-term effects.

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• Chronic Pain Australia aims to improve knowledge and understanding about Chronic Pain, promote better understanding among health professionals about living with Chronic Pain and support people to self-manage Chronic Pain. Home - Chronic Pain Australia
• Painaustralia work to improve the quality of life of people living with pain, their families and carers, and to minimize the social and economic burden of pain on individuals and the community. Homepage | Painaustralia 2022