Michelle McMahon and her daughter Laura face a daily struggle that most people can't see.

Behind their smiles and strength, their lives are shaped and often limited, by the relentless presence of chronic pain.

Laura hasn't been the same since a bout of shingles when she was just 10 years old.

She went from being a fit and active middle child to living in increasing pain, unable to run or go to her beloved gymnastics classes.

By the age of 11 she was unable to walk or move without a wheelchair.

The inaugural Kids in Pain Report from national peak body Chronic Pain Australia shows how the condition affects every aspect of life for 877,000 children and young people nationally, as well as their families.

The research shows almost half of carers have to quit their jobs or reduce work

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