Although the patient’s goal is often complete pain relief, this is rarely a realistic outcome, so the role of the physician in managing chronic pain involves optimising pain relief as far as possible. A thorough biopsychosocial assessment is essential so that an individualised multidisciplinary approach to management can be developed. The aims of assessment of chronic pain are to rule out any underlying serious pathology, identify the pain mechanism and identify and evaluate risk factors that contribute to chronicity.