Pain is the main reason for a visit to the consultant in musculoskeletal practice. It can be acute or chronic. Depending on the clinical presentations, it can be characterized by features of nociception and/or central sensitization. According to the biopsychosocial model, the disorder is defined by the impact that the pain has on the person’s quality of life, i.e. on their disability. This article aims to highlight the relationship between pain and disability, and the potential clinical consequences.