From Public Health Scotland, today:

Referrals to a chronic pain clinic are now back to levels seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the quarter ending 30 September 2023, 5,220 patients were referred, an increase of 6.1% on the previous quarter, when 4,919 patients were referred. Referrals are up by 3.9% compared to a year earlier, when there were 5,026 during the quarter ending 30 September 2022.

https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/publications/chronic-pain-waiting-times/chronic-pain-waiting-times-quarter-ending-30-september-2023/

Despite this, based on the graph above, the number seen within 12 weeks has increased for the last three quarters as has the total seen within 1 year.

BBC Scotland, on chronic pain last week:

Reports of chronic pain steadily increased across age groups, with 18% of 16-24 year olds reporting it, rising to 55% of those over 75.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c84vn882vngo