Pain that has lasted for more than 3 months is known as chronic or persistent pain. It is a common problem and affects between 3 and 5 in every 10 people. Often, the cause of the pain is unclear. Pain is complex and many factors can affect or be affected by pain, including work, leisure, mobility, relationships and sleep.

Many patients require pain medication to help to treat their pain but evidence has shown that opioid medications (codeine tramadol and morphine), have very little benefit in managing chronic pain. These medications can have significant side effects and are also addictive.

At Shoreditch Park Surgery, we regularly consider which medications patients are on and whether they are helping the problem. We aim to keep our prescribing of these opioid medications low, consider alternative treatments and medications and we regularly review patients prescribed these.

If you would like to talk to us about these medications or chronic pain, please book a routine appointment with your regular GP. We look forward to working with you to better manage your symptoms.