NEW DATA: NATIONAL PAIN REPORT 2025 DELAYED DIAGNOSIS OF CHRONIC PAIN IS ROBBING AUSTRALIANS OF THEIR BEST YEARS
The 2025 National Pain Survey of nearly 5000 people living with chronic pain has found that millions of Australians living with chronic pain are being robbed of the best years of their lives, their well-being, and even their hope, as chronic pain continues to be Australia’s missing national health priority.
The National Pain Report 2025 – Pain Takes A Nation, released by peak consumer body Chronic Pain Australia, reveals a devastating national crisis marked by alarming diagnosis delays, a severe mental health toll, rising suicidality among young people, and a complex care system that is failing those who need it most.
Key findings include:
- An alarming rise in suicidality, especially among young people: 49% of young Australians between 18-24 living with chronic pain have considered suicide, and 12% have attempted it.
- Chronic pain is taking longer to diagnose: in 2025, 54% of survey respondents reported waiting more than two years for a diagnosis, and 44% waited over three. In 2024, 42% reported waited over 3 years; and in 2023, 41%.
- Complex care is not working as it should: Despite the complex nature of chronic pain, which often involves multiple pain types concurrently, access to appropriate multidisciplinary and specialist care is falling short. Only 18% of respondents received a referral to multidisciplinary pain management, and 30% of those referred never secured an appointment. This systemic failure means many are left without the integrated care they desperately need.
- National well-being is being eroded by untreated pain’s effect on relationships and mental health: Chronic pain is a vortex, creating a pervasive decline in quality of life. The report reveals significant mental health impacts (74% of respondents) and widespread sleep disturbances (87%). Relationships are also profoundly strained, with 63% reporting strain on family relationships and 59% on friendships.
- People living with chronic pain continue to suffer from stigma: Stigma is rampant, with 74% feeling ignored or dismissed, and nearly half (48%) experiencing prejudice from health professionals.
Chairperson of Chronic Pain Australia, Nicolette Ellis said that the 2025 National Pain Survey results highlighted the urgent need to make chronic pain a national health priority.
“What thousands of Australians are telling us cannot be ignored: pain is not just taking lives, it is taking our nation’s potential,” Ms Ellis says.
“This report illuminates a path forward. Australians living with pain are not asking for pity
They are demanding action – timely diagnoses, tailored multidisciplinary care, mental health support that understands pain, and systems that treat them with dignity, not suspicion.”
About Chronic Pain Australia
Chronic Pain Australia (CPA) is the national peak consumer body for the 3.6 million Australians living with chronic pain. Established with a vision to validate, equip, and empower individuals affected by chronic pain, CPA puts lived experience at the heart of its work. As a leading advocate, we are committed to increasing awareness, driving systemic change, and ensuring that chronic pain is recognised as a national health priority.
About National Pain Week supported by Platinum Sponsor Haleon
One of Chronic Pain Australia’s cornerstone initiatives is National Pain Week, a dedicated period each year where we bring attention to the challenges faced by those living with chronic pain. During this week, we offer a platform for education, awareness, and community engagement through events, webinars, and campaigns.
For further information regarding Chronic Pain Australia’s events during National Pain Week, visit Chronic Pain Australia’s website, https://chronicpainaustralia.org.au.
National Pain Survey
The National Pain Survey is the longest-running survey documenting the experiences of Australians living with chronic pain. The NPS gathers invaluable data that informs Chronic Pain Australia’s advocacy efforts, helping to shape better policies and practices in pain management across the country. The insights from this survey are pivotal in understanding the evolving needs of the chronic pain community.
National Pain Week 2025
Events Monday, 22 July:
• Pain Takes a Nation: The State of Pain Facebook Live Event (10am – 11am AEST)
Tuesday, 23 July:
• Pain Takes Sleep: Breaking the Cycle (Expert Panel Discussion)
Wednesday, 24 July:
• Pain Takes Options: Medicinal Cannabis, Research, Regulation and the Patient Voice Webinar
Thursday, 25 July:
• Pain Takes Action: Bringing the Report to Parliament House Event
Friday, 26 July
• Pain Takes Opportunity: Legal and Financial Pathways when Pain Impacts Employment Webinar