Staying at Work with Chronic Pain: Workers' Experiences
Author Information
Author(s): Haitze J. de Vries, Sandra Brouwer, Johan W. Groothoff, Jan H.B. Geertzen, Michiel F. Reneman
Primary Institution: University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Why do people with chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain stay at work despite their pain?
Conclusion
Personal characteristics, self-management skills, and motivation are key factors that help individuals with chronic pain remain in the workforce.
Supporting Evidence
- Participants identified 16 motivators and 52 success factors for staying at work despite pain.
- Motivators included work as a value, therapy, income generator, and responsibility.
- Success factors included personal characteristics, adjustment latitude, coping with pain, use of healthcare services, and pain beliefs.
Takeaway
Some people with chronic pain keep working because they find it important and have learned how to manage their pain while at work.
Methodology
Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable to younger individuals or those with a shorter history of pain.
Participant Demographics
{"age":{"mean":49,"range":"31-60"},"gender":{"male":9,"female":12},"education":{"primary":8,"secondary":6,"higher":7}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website