Pain in the Workplace

According to a new survey, persistent chronic pain has increased nearly 40% among U.S. workers in the past 10 years. In 2006, nearly one in three (26%) employees who have pain reported that their pain is chronic, whereas in 1996, only 19% of employees reported chronic pain.

These data are from a 2006 national survey conducted by Harris Interactive on “Pain in the Workplace” (www.PainAndWork.com) sponsored by PriCara, Unit of Ortho-McNeil, Inc., and conducted in partnership with the National Pain Foundation. The survey is an update to the 1996 Louis Harris & Associates poll on the subject, sponsored by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.

The survey results indicate a growing trend of “presenteeism” — a negative impact on work despite being physically present at the job. Almost nine in 10 employees (89%) with chronic pain, defined by the survey as pain that lasts for at least six months, typically go to work rather than stay home when experiencing chronic pain. The survey also found that:

• 95% of employees with persistent, chronic pain reported that their pain must be moderately severe or very severe to cause them to stay home from work.
• 89% of full-time employees living with chronic pain experienced pain at work.
• 46% of employees with chronic pain said their pain often or sometimes affected their ability to perform their job.

“Persistent chronic pain appears to be increasing in prevalence among U.S. workers as Americans age and lead more sedentary lifestyles,” said Rollin Gallagher, M.D., M.P.H., editor-in-chief of the NPF website, a founding and current member of the Board of the National Pain Foundation and clinical professor and director, Center for Pain Medicine, Research and Policy, University of Pennsylvania. “This survey indicates that employees with chronic pain must become their own advocates, understand the impact of their chronic pain and work with their health care professional to identify appropriate treatment options.”

More findings from the survey are available at www.PainAndWork.com. In addition, the Web site provides tips sufferers can use to help deal with chronic pain on the job, such as:

• Prioritize your to-do list: In today’s workplace, employees are putting in more hours than ever. Prioritize your tasks, don’t be afraid to say “no” and find ways to streamline your work. Most of all, listen to your body and don’t overdo it!

• Be your own advocate: Be your own advocate so that others can be supportive and help you find solutions to make the workday easier. Do not feel like you have to suffer in silence during the workday. If you feel comfortable, be open with your colleagues about your chronic pain.

• Make your workspace comfortable: Look for ways to make your workplace more suited for your needs and to make you more comfortable. For example, if you work in an office environment, options could include ergonomic supplies, properly adjusted to provide support and minimize stress.

• Join a workplace wellness program: Many companies offer wellness programs that can provide important health information. Contact your benefits manager to inquire about chronic pain education or wellness programs your company offers and how you can participate.

• Exercise and eat healthy: Research has shown that regular activity can reduce pain in the long run by improving muscle tone, strength and flexibility. Look for healthy options in your work cafeteria.

• Make a promise to yourself to find relief: Work with your doctor to discuss available treatment options that might be right for you. Additionally, join a local or online chronic pain support group to share your story and learn from others.

Visit www.PainAndWork.com to learn more! If you are interested in obtaining a full version of this survey, please contact PriCara, Unit of Ortho-McNeil, Inc.