--- title: Why Does Pain Persist? description: Easy to follow, up-to-date and evidence based information on what pain is, how it occurs and why is persists. image: https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/Painless%20x%20Painful%20creative%20sign%20with%20clouds%20as%20the%20background-1.jpeg --- [![](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Transparent%20background%20logo%201000%20pixels_cropped.png?width=1000&height=352&name=Transparent%20background%20logo%201000%20pixels_cropped.png)](http://www.jennyphysiopilates.com/) # JennyPhysioPilates ## [Why Does Pain Persist?](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/why-does-pain-persist) ** Aug 20, 2020 2:14:52 PM / by [Jenny Drennan](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/author/jenny-drennan) It is estimated that 20% of the population suffer with persistent or chronic pain - a condition that has been under-recognised and under-treated for many years. As a Physiotherapist, it is the most common condition I see, usually in the form of chronic low back pain. This is my main area of interest and below is an infograph I created, as part of my Masters in the Clinical Management of Pain, to help explain what pain is and why it persists.   ![Pain Infograph](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Pain%20Infograph.png?width=600&name=Pain%20Infograph.png) ![Pain Infograph 2](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Canva%20images/Pain%20Infograph%202.png?width=794&name=Pain%20Infograph%202.png)   [See tips for managing persistent pain here.](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/chronic-pain-more-than-just-pain) [![Sign up for 2 week free trial!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/407935/0561586b-2649-46b2-a425-1e625109fceb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/407935/0561586b-2649-46b2-a425-1e625109fceb)   Information obtained from: APKARIAN, A. V., BUSHNELL, M. C., TREEDE, R.-D. & ZUBIETA, J.-K. (2005). Human brain mechanisms of pain perception and regulation in health and disease. *European Journal of Pain,* 9**,** 463-463. BASBAUM, A. I., BAUTISTA, D. M., SCHERRER, G. & JULIUS, D. (2009). Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Pain. *Cell,* 139**,** 267-284. JAMES, S. (2013). Human pain and genetics: some basics. *British Journal of Pain,* 7**,** 171-178. NIJS, J., PAUL VAN WILGEN, C., VAN OOSTERWIJCK, J., VAN ITTERSUM, M. & MEEUS, M. (2011). How to explain central sensitization to patients with ‘unexplained’ chronic musculoskeletal pain: Practice guidelines. *Manual Therapy,* 16**,** 413-418. SCHAIBLE, H.-G. (2015). Emerging Concepts of Pain Therapy Based on Neuronal Mechanisms. *In:* SCHAIBLE, H.-G. (ed.) *Pain Control.* Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg. WOOLF, C. J. (2011). Central sensitization: Implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. *Pain,* 152(3)**,** S2-S15.   Topics: [Pain Management](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/topic/pain-management), [Low Back Pain](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/topic/low-back-pain) ![Jenny Drennan](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/hubfs/lijenny.jfif) #### Written by [Jenny Drennan](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/author/jenny-drennan) Jenny has over 10 years of experience as a Physiotherapist with a particular interest in pain management for chronic conditions. She has a passion for helping people manage their conditions, regain mobility and confidence in movement. - Recent - Popular - Categories ### Lists by Topic - [Conditions (8)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/conditions) - [Exercises (8)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/exercises) - [Low Back Pain (7)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/low-back-pain) - [Keeping fit & healthy (6)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/keeping-fit-healthy) - [Injuries (4)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/injuries) - [Neck Pain (4)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/neck-pain) - [Pain Management (4)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/pain-management) - [Physio Led Pilates (3)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/physio-led-pilates) ### Posts by Topic - [Conditions (8)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/conditions) - [Exercises (8)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/exercises) - [Low Back Pain (7)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/low-back-pain) - [Keeping fit & healthy (6)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/keeping-fit-healthy) - [Injuries (4)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/injuries) - [Neck Pain (4)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/neck-pain) - [Pain Management (4)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/pain-management) - [Physio Led Pilates (3)](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/tag/physio-led-pilates) [See all](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/why-does-pain-persist#) ### Recent Posts # Contact Us ** [jenny@jennyphysiopilates.com](mailto:jenny@jennyphysiopilates.com) ** Blackrock Co Dublin, Ireland Copyright 2026 | Designed with ** by [HubSpot](https://www.hubspot.com) [**](https://blog.jennyphysiopilates.com/why-does-pain-persist#)