Chronic pain journey: how persistent pain is assessed and supported in general practice

What persistent pain means

Persistent pain is pain that continues longer than expected after an injury or illness has settled. It often affects far more than the body alone. Ongoing pain can influence sleep, energy, work capacity, relationships, and confidence in daily life. Many people find the experience frustrating, particularly when scans or tests do not clearly explain what they feel. In general practice, persistent pain is treated as a genuine health issue that deserves careful assessment, continuity, and respectful support.

How your GP approaches assessment

Assessment usually begins with your story. Your GP asks how the pain started, how it has changed over time, and how it affects your everyday activities. You may also be asked what you have already tried, what has helped, and what has not. This conversation matters because persistent pain is complex and individual. It often links with other health conditions and life circumstances. Your GP aims to understand the whole picture rather than focus only on one body part or symptom.

Why tests are used selectively

It is common to expect that more tests will always lead to clearer answers. With persistent pain, investigations are most helpful when your GP is checking for a specific cause or another condition that would change management. A physical examination often guides this decision. When tests do not show a clear explanation, your pain still matters. Your GP continues to take your symptoms seriously and focuses on maintaining function, safety, and quality of life.

The biopsychosocial approach explained

You may hear your GP describe pain using a “biopsychosocial” framework. This means pain reflects a combination of body factors, such as muscles, joints, nerves, and overall health, mind factors, such as stress, fear, attention, and past experiences, and social factors, such as work demands, finances, family roles, and support networks. This approach does not suggest pain is imagined. It recognises that pain is processed by the nervous system and shaped by many parts of your life.

How support often looks over time

Care for persistent pain in general practice usually develops over time. Reviews focus on shared goals that prioritise meaningful activities and quality of life rather than eliminating pain completely. Your GP may document a care plan to coordinate support and keep everyone aligned. With your consent, other health professionals, such as physiotherapists, psychologists, or specialist pain services, may be involved when this adds value and fits your preferences.

Making the most of appointments

Because persistent pain changes, it helps your GP to know what matters most to you now, what you want to keep doing, and what feels hardest at this stage. Discussing sleep, mood, work pressures, family responsibilities, and previous healthcare experiences also supports better care. This shared understanding allows your GP to work with you on a plan that fits your life and remains consistent across visits.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.