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Chronic pain is a serious health condition that can lead to complications beyond physical symptoms. People with chronic pain may experience depression, anxiety and trouble sleeping.

Chronic pain is pain that is long lasting. It can affect every aspect of life — from relationships to finances. Chronic pain makes it harder to keep up with work, tasks at home and social gatherings. Some research suggests that the worse the pain, the more serious the effects on day-to-day life.

For these reasons, finding effective treatment for chronic pain is important. But the process is complex and personal. What works for one person's chronic low back pain may not bring relief for another person's osteoarthritis.

There are a number of reasons for this. The cause of the chronic pain, a person's biology and history all play a role in pain management. And finding pain therapies that bring you relief can take time.

Working with your healthcare team can help you find treatments that allow you to live an enjoyable, fulfilling life. The approach you choose should include more than medication. But medications might play a role in pain management.

Learn about the risks and benefits of common pain medications. This can help you make safe choices as you look for a solution to chronic pain.