Chronic or persistent pain is pain that lasts more than 12 weeks, or beyond the expected healing time for a particular injury. Chronic pain can present in different ways such as localised sharp pain or a widespread, dull ache, and may be constant or intermittent. 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. Other conditions associated with chronic pain are fibromyalgia, migraines and chronic pain syndrome. 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.