The present invention provides a method for the long-term relief of chronic pain in a subject by activating in the subject an analgesic .alpha.-adrenergic receptor in the absence of .alpha.-2A receptor activation over a period of at least three days, such that relief of chronic pain is maintained in the absence of continued activation of said receptor. The analgesic .alpha.-adrenergic receptor can be, for example, the .alpha.-2B receptor.