26/07/2026
Chronic pain isn't just "part of getting older."
Around 3.6 million Australians live with chronic pain, yet many people still face delays in diagnosis, limited treatment options, and misconceptions about their condition.
One of the biggest challenges is that pain is often invisible. Unlike a broken bone or visible injury, chronic pain can't always be seen on a scan or from the outside. Because of this, many people report feeling that their pain is dismissed, misunderstood or minimised, making it harder to access the care and support they need. Reducing stigma and improving understanding are key priorities of National Pain Week.
The good news is that progress is being made. Across Australia, researchers, clinicians and people with lived experience are working together to better understand chronic pain, improve diagnosis, develop more effective treatments and ensure people receive evidence-based, person-centred care. The Australian Government's National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management also recognises research as a key priority for improving outcomes.
Every advancement starts with research, and every study brings us one step closer to improving the lives of the millions of Australians living with chronic pain.
