Persistent pain What is persistent pain? Persistent pain, also known as chronic pain, lasts over 3 months and affects different parts of the brain and nervous system. What is fibromyalgia? Find out more about fibromyalgia, a long term condition that causes pain all over the body, and where to get local and national support. What is osteoarthritis? Find out more about osteoarthritis, a long term condition that affects joints, and where to get local and national support. How to manage persistent pain Information on how to manage persistent pain, including getting an assessment, self-management techniques, and resources and organisations that may be able to help.