Chronic or persistent pain is pain that lasts more than 12 weeks, or beyond the expected healing time for a particular injury. There are many reasons that pain persists beyond standard healing times, such as co-existing health conditions, poor sleep, stress related factors and your thoughts and beliefs about your pain. It is important to take note of what else is happening in your life during the time your pain is persisting beyond the expected time period, as these factors may play a role in your pain.