The Real Struggle Behind Chronic Pain at Work and How We Can Help

It is estimated that 1 in 4 people in the U.K. is living with chronic pain. There are many different conditions that can cause chronic pain. For some people, the cause or origin of their pain is unknown.

Whatever is behind chronic pain, it is something that causes people to deal with a range of issues and difficulties. Both physically and mentally. Living with chronic pain can be exhausting and distressing. In some extreme scenarios, people may experience suicidal thoughts as a response to their pain. 

The chronic nature of chronic pain impacts every part of a person’s life, including their job, or lack thereof. People with chronic pain can feel unable to get or keep a job and this can cause secondary problems in finances, housing and self-esteem.

At Careers with Disabilities, we believe that everyone should be supported as much as possible so that there are equal opportunities in employment regardless of ability and disability. 

So, we have written this blog to talk more about chronic pain at work and how we can help. 

The Struggle Behind Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is a bigger issue than the physical pain itself. People living with frequent and recurring pain have to deal with secondary issues, such as: 

• Chronic fatigue and tiredness
• Missing out on opportunities and events 
• Accessibility and mobility issues 
• Self-esteem and identity challenges
• Depression and anxiety
• Chronic stress
• Loss of relationships and friendships 
• Job loss and financial insecurity 
• Changes to independence, e.g. losing driving capability 

Chronic pain can take over someone’s entire life. Just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean that it isn’t happening. In fact, having an invisible disability can be another factor in making the condition more distressing to live with. Feeling invisible can be a big problem for people with recurring pain. 

What Can We Do to Help People with Chronic Pain at Work?

Due to the difficulties described above, it is no surprise that people living with chronic pain condition need extra support at work. There are lots of things we can do as employers and coworkers that can help these people. Including (but not limited to): 

• Creating an inclusive work environment where people feel they can disclose their disability and talk about it
• Engage with learning and training to increase awareness of chronic pain and related disabilities
• Listen to people with chronic pain and offer empathy 
• Allow changes to physical work environments including special chairs, equipment, and placement 
• (For employers) offer flexible and hybrid working options 

It is key that we all know that chronic pain is a very real condition. It is not “made up” or “imagined”. It is something long-term and stressful, therefore we should support those around us as much as physically possible. 

We may not always see the pain but we can believe it and respond to it when a coworker or colleague reaches out. 

External Resources for People Dealing with Chronic Pain: 

It is important that you have as many tools in your belt as possible when you are dealing with chronic pain yourself.

Luckily, there are quite a few organisations and charities out there that can help you when you need support. Whether it is information, access to support groups or mental health help, this list of resources should help you deal with problems arising from your chronic pain.

• The British Pain Society
• Pain UK
• Pain Relief Foundation
• Pain Concern
• The Samaritans
• The Counselling Directory

Remember to always talk to your GP and medical professionals too. Make sure you get as much care as possible from different reputable sources. Sometimes it takes a village to support someone with chronic pain and that is ok. 

You deserve support and care, so make sure you reach out when you need it. 

What We Can Do at Careers with Disabilities 

Here at Careers with Disabilities, we have lots of resources and tools to help people dealing with employment and disability in the U.K.

Our Disability Advice Hub can help you with any information or learning you need about specific disabilities and how they can be supported at work. We also have guides on important topics, such as disclosing your condition to an employer and any financial benefits you are entitled to. 

Additionally, we have a disability-friendly job board where you can find accessible and diverse jobs that can support you as a disabled job seeker.

It is all about finding the right support and the right working environment. 

We can help you with both of these things.