Management of chronic pain

Current status

An update to SIGN 136: Management of chronic pain is in development.

Summary

This guideline will focus on assessing and managing chronic non-malignant pain (pain lasting longer than 12 weeks) in adults. It will apply to non-specialist healthcare settings that are not specifically designed for treating chronic pain. Self management, pharmacological, psychological, physical, complementary and dietary therapies are covered. It does not cover:

• pain caused by cancer
• pain caused by headaches (see SIGN 107: Diagnosis and management of headache in adults)
• pain in children and young people.

Who it's for

The clinical guideline will be of interest to healthcare professionals in primary and secondary care involved in assessing and treating patients with chronic pain, including

• general practitioners
• pharmacists
• anaesthetists
• psychologists
• psychiatrists
• physiotherapists
• rheumatologists
• occupational therapists
• nurses
• patients, carers and voluntary organisations with an interest in chronic pain.

We will also be producing a booklet for patients, families and carers that will cover:

• how you can get your pain assessed
• ways of helping to manage your pain
• information about the care you are likely to receive.

How this guideline is being developed

This guideline is being developed using a standard methodology based on a systematic review of the evidence. Further details can be found in SIGN 50: A Guideline Developer’s Handbook.

​Current 3-7 years

Some recommendations may be out of  date, declaration of interests governance may not be in line with current policy.