Chronic pain treatment

Manage chronic pain by speaking to registered online doctors and health practitioners within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7.

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How our doctors can help

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When to consult a doctor for chronic pain?

If the pain lasts longer

Consult a doctor if your pain lasts longer than three months, continues even after an injury or illness has healed, is getting worse over time, or is spreading to other areas of the body.

If pain affects your daily life or doesn’t respond

If chronic pain interferes with work, sleep, daily activities, or social life, or if over-the-counter medicines and home remedies are no longer providing relief, see a doctor.

If there are additional symptoms or emotional impact

See a doctor if your pain is accompanied by numbness, weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, or if it is causing emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or reliance on regular pain medication without improvement.

This guide does not replace professional care. Consult a doctor to manage your symptoms. In emergencies, call 000 or visit a hospital immediately. The content is research-backed & medically reviewed by Dr Vishnu Gopalan, Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer at Hola.

Causes and impacts

Chronic pain causes

Previous injury or surgery: Pain can persist long after tissues have healed.
Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause ongoing joint and muscle pain.
Nerve damage (neuropathy): Conditions like diabetes, shingles, or nerve compression can lead to persistent nerve pain.
Back problems: Herniated (bulged) discs, spinal stenosis (narrowing) , or muscle strain often result in chronic back pain.
Chronic illnesses: Conditions such as fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are linked to long-term pain.
Infections: Certain infections, like shingles, can trigger chronic nerve pain.
Poor posture or repetitive strain: Ongoing strain from work, sports, or daily habits can cause muscle and joint pain.
Psychological factors: Stress, anxiety, and depression can amplify the perception of pain and worsen chronic conditions.

Serious impacts of chronic pain

Reduced mobility and physical function, affecting daily tasks, work, and exercise.
Sleep disturbances, which can worsen fatigue and mental health issues.
Emotional challenges like depression, anxiety, irritability, and social isolation.
Dependence on medications, particularly opioid painkillers, which carry risks of side effects and addiction.
Worsening of underlying health conditions if pain discourages activity and self-care.

Lifestyle changes that can help

Regular gentle exercise: Activities like walking, swimming, yoga, or stretching improve mobility, and reduce stiffness.
Balanced anti-inflammatory diet: Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, nuts, and omega-3-rich fish. Reduce processed foods, sugar, and excessive alcohol.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation.
Quality sleep habits: Prioritise consistent bedtimes, limit screens before bed, and create a restful environment.
Stress management: Try journaling, spending time in nature, or creative hobbies.
Limit smoking and heavy drinking, as both can aggravate pain and slow healing.

Chronic pain is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination and diagnostic tests if needed. You can get your initial consultation through a telehealth doctor as well to diagnose and get a referral for further investigation. Hola Health provides a fast and convenient way for you to see a doctor online in minutes, 24/7 across Australia. Much like an in-person GP clinic, our AHPRA-registered Australian online GP chat will conduct a comprehensive assessment to provide the best possible care, instantly.