Understanding Chronic Pain: Why Pain Can Last Longer Than You Expect

By Dr Bernard Lee Mun Kam, Senior Consultant Pain Specialist, Singapore Paincare Center

Pain is something most of us experience at some point in life. A back strain, stiff neck or sore knee usually improves with rest and time. But for many people, pain does not go away. Instead, it lingers for months or even years, affecting sleep, work and quality of life.

This is known as chronic pain, and it affects a significant number of Singaporeans.

This guide is written to help you make sense of ongoing pain, what it is, why it may persist, and what support looks like when pain does not improve on its own. It is adapted from a clinician-authored article by Dr Bernard Lee, originally published in the Singapore Medical Association.

 

What Is Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is pain that lasts for more than three months, even after the original injury or cause has healed. It can occur in many parts of the body, including the back, neck, joints and nerves.

In Singapore, research has found that about 8.7 % of adults experience chronic pain that persists for more than three months. This rate rises further in older age groups, especially beyond 65 years old. Females generally report higher rates of chronic pain than males. Annals

Because chronic pain often does not show up on scans or X-rays, many people mistakenly think something must be “wrong” on imaging for the pain to be real. In fact, chronic pain is real even without visible damage.

Why Pain Sometimes Persists

Pain is not just a signal from the body. It involves the nervous system, the brain and emotional responses.

When pain continues for a long time, nerves can become overly sensitive and remain active even after the original injury has healed. Stress, poor sleep, fear of movement and inactivity can contribute to this cycle of persistent pain.

This does not mean the pain is “imagined”. It means the body’s pain system can stay switched on long after the initial trigger. Understanding this helps people approach treatment with realistic expectations.

 

How Chronic Pain Affects Daily Life

Living with chronic pain goes beyond physical discomfort.

Many people with persistent pain experience:

• Sleep disruption and fatigue
• Reduced ability to function at work or in daily tasks
• Emotional strain, frustration or low mood
• Reluctance to engage in social or recreational activities

Studies in Singapore have also shown that people with chronic pain are more likely to experience anxiety and depressive symptoms, underscoring the link between physical pain and emotional wellbeing.

 

When Should You Seek Medical Help

It is important to talk to a doctor if:

• Pain lasts more than a few weeks without improvement
• Pain interferes with sleep, daily routines or work
• Pain keeps returning despite rest or usual remedies
• There are new symptoms such as numbness, weakness or radiating pain

Early conversation with a GP can help rule out serious causes, guide appropriate management and prevent pain from becoming harder to treat.

 

How Chronic Pain Is Managed in Singapore

Managing chronic pain today is not just about taking painkillers.

Effective approaches often include:

• Learning about personal triggers and pain patterns
• Staying physically active and practising safe movement
• Sleep and stress management strategies
• Structured rehabilitation exercises
• Medicines when appropriate
• Referrals to specialists for tailored interventions

The goal is to reduce pain and improve function, resilience and quality of life.

 

Chronic Pain and Ageing in Singapore

As Singapore’s population ages, chronic pain becomes an even more important health issue.

Data from older adult surveys show that reported pain increases substantially with age. In some recent studies, pain prevalence among adults aged 60 and above was found to be around 19.5 %. Among this group, women were more likely to report pain than men, and pain was associated with reduced mobility and disability.

The trend of increasing pain with age means that awareness, early support and access to appropriate care are essential parts of healthy ageing.

 

Living Better With Chronic Pain in Singapore

Many people with chronic pain can significantly improve their condition with the right support and lifestyle changes. Learning how pain works, staying active within safe limits and seeking appropriate care early can make a meaningful difference.

Chronic pain does not have to define your life. With a personalised and balanced approach, long-term relief and better daily functioning are possible.

“Chronic pain is not simply a symptom that needs to be silenced. It is a condition that needs to be understood. When patients understand why their pain persists, they are better able to take part in treatment and regain control over their daily lives.”

Dr Bernard Lee