Chronic pain is more than an ongoing ache or discomfort — it is a long-term condition that affects millions of people and can significantly disrupt daily life. Whether caused by nerve irritation, inflammation, injury, or an underlying condition, chronic pain often impacts sleep, mood, hormones, mobility, relationships, and overall independence.
As a pharmacist with over 15 years of experience supporting chronic pain sufferers, I have seen how misunderstood this condition can be. Many patients are told “nothing is wrong” or feel dismissed when their pain doesn’t show up clearly on scans. Yet their pain is real, persistent, and life-altering.
This article aims to help you understand what chronic pain is, why it happens, and what options may help you manage it more effectively.
What Is Chronic Pain?
Chronic pain is defined as pain lasting longer than 3 months — or beyond the expected healing time of an injury. It may continue even after tissues have healed or when medical imaging appears normal.
In simple terms:
Chronic pain happens when the nervous system becomes overly sensitive, continuing to send out pain signals even when there is no new injury.
Pain doesn’t always mean tissue damage. Chronic pain is often the result of the body’s pain pathways becoming “stuck” in an overactive state.
Why Does Pain Become Chronic?
Chronic pain usually develops due to long-term changes in the body’s pain and inflammation systems. This often includes:
Persistent inflammation around nerves or joints
Overactivity of glial cells (immune cells within the nervous system)
The brain becoming sensitised and amplifying pain signals
Poor sleep, fatigue, stress, and hormonal shifts
Scans not showing the full picture
Over time, this creates a loop where the pain continues even after the original cause has resolved.
Common Causes of Chronic Pain
In my pharmacy practice, the most common chronic pain conditions I see include:
Osteoarthritis
Sciatica
General nerve pain
Fibromyalgia
Chronic back pain
Migraines and tension headaches
Endometriosis
Post-viral or long-COVID nerve pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Chronic pain can occur in any part of the body — the back, neck, knees, shoulders, feet, hands, or nerves.
How Chronic Pain Affects Daily Life
Chronic pain affects far more than just the body. Patients often experience:
Poor sleep
Low mood or anxiety
Hormonal changes
Fatigue
Reduced mobility
Limited independence
Strained relationshipsMany people wait too long to seek proper help because they feel misunderstood or unheard.
What Helps Chronic Pain?
From my experience, chronic pain rarely improves with a single treatment.
A multi-layered approach is usually the most effective.
Helpful strategies include:
PEA capsules for nerve and inflammatory pain
Prescription nerve medications (when suitable)
Gentle movement such as walking or stretching
Heat therapy
Improving sleep quality
Stress management techniques
Anti-inflammatory dietary changes
Education, reassurance, and support
Understanding chronic pain — and knowing it does not always mean damage — can help reduce fear, which often reduces pain intensity.
Real Patient Case Studies (From My Pharmacy)
Case Study 1 — Sciatica (68-year-old male)
Previous treatments: Gabapentin
PEA dose: 300mg daily
Outcome: Reduced nerve pain intensity and frequency, allowing him to rely less on prescription medication.
Case Study 2 — Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (48-year-old male)
Previous treatments: Pregabalin
PEA dose: 600mg daily
Outcome: Improved nerve pain and function, with the added benefit of lowering his prescription medication dose.
These examples are similar to results I see frequently when appropriate natural options are added to a patient’s treatment plan.
The Role of PEA (Palmitoylethanolamide) in Chronic Pain
PEA is a naturally occurring fatty acid the body produces in response to inflammation and pain. It works by calming overactive glial cells — the same cells involved in chronic nerve inflammation.
Research has shown PEA may help with:
Sciatica
Diabetic neuropathy
Chronic lower back pain
Post-surgical nerve pain
Fibromyalgia
MS-related nerve pain
Post-viral nerve inflammation
Because it is non-sedating and non-addictive, PEA is suitable for many individuals who want pain support without feeling foggy or drowsy.
Why I Recommend Relieve Therapeutics PEA Capsules
In my pharmacy, I recommend Relieve Therapeutics PEA Capsules because they are:
Ultra-micronised for optimal absorption
High-purity and pharmaceutical-grade
Non-sedating
Non-addictive
Safe to use alongside prescription pain medications (with professional advice)
Many patients describe improvements in nerve pain over 2 to 8 weeks of consistent use.
Common dosage ranges found in research:
300mg to 1200mg per day, depending on severity and response.
Final Thoughts
Chronic pain is not something you should have to “push through.” It is a real condition involving changes in the nervous system — not a personal failure, weakness, or something to ignore.
With the right combination of treatments, education, movement, sleep support, and natural options like PEA, many chronic pain sufferers see meaningful improvement.
Progress is absolutely possible, even after years of persistent pain.
You are not alone — and your pain is real, valid, and deserving of proper care.