Working Despite Chronic Pain

For many people, a job is not just a necessary evil to secure their livelihood. To pursue a job also means to be in the middle of life, self-affirmation through success, a regular daily routine and joy through social contacts.

Existence-threatening illness

A pain disease can suddenly dissolve this secure existence. Rheumatism, osteoarthritis or cancer can also affect younger people and abruptly interrupt familiar everyday life. An illness that is associated with permanent, severe pain therefore often has the effect of threatening a person’s existence. Today, however, many illnesses are treatable to the extent that a return to working life is possible. “This is not only important for material reasons,” explains Dr. Wolfgang Sohn, a pain therapist from Schwalmtal. “The psyche and the perception of pain can also benefit from everyday working life.”

Researchers at the University of Leipzig, for example, were able to show that working people complain less about pain than population groups who did not pursue a job. “Nevertheless, everyday working life is also a challenge for people suffering from a pain condition, which they should not face unprepared,” Sohn says.

4 tips for getting back on the job

Here are four points patients should be sure to keep in mind to ensure a successful re-entry into the workforce:

  1. Chronic pain requires ongoing management by a physician. Make sure that all necessary appointments can be attended. Often, treatment requires long-term use of highly effective pain medications. Medications that only need to be taken once a day are then particularly easy to manage. Meanwhile, there is a tablet that releases the pain-relieving active ingredient evenly over 24 hours. Also ask your doctor.

  2. Occasionally, you will probably need assistance. It is not always easy to ask for help. And accepting help also wants to be learned. Therefore, it is advisable to inform the employer and colleagues in advance, so that everyone can adjust to the situation.

  3. The workplace should be set up according to your needs. If you suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, pay special attention to ergonomic office furniture and work equipment.

  4. For people with disabilities, there are various operational support options through the labor and integration offices, as well as by the rehabilitation agencies and professional associations. Cost subsidies for the disability-friendly design of the workplace granted by the integration office.