Yes, yes, it can. I speak from personal experience as someone who suffers from chronic pain in several areas, such as:
- Neck
- Lower back
- Pelvic floor
- Both knees
- Both shoulders
Currently, my knees are really giving me a run for my money, no pun intended. It is excruciating to sit for long periods, which is part of my job as a writer. I am waiting to have knee surgery in a few months, so hopefully, it not only addresses my chronic knee pain but also my lower back; at least, that is what I am shooting for.
Post knee replacement exercises will be imperative if I wish to regain strength. Apparently, building strength after knee surgery is the other half of recovery. An often profound loss of strength leading up to surgery and in the days and weeks afterward can leave someone in a highly compromised position even if they have regained range of motion.
According to The National Institute of Health, “Chronic pain was associated with lower vocational fulfillment and feelings of being ostracized in the workplace. These findings suggest that the presence of pain in the workplace goes well beyond lost productivity due to absenteeism.
Chronic pain can be invisible to employers, yet its psychological and social impacts can be immense.7,8 People in chronic pain often receive no clear medical diagnosis, making managers less likely to offer sympathy or accommodation9 and increasing the chances that these people will continue to work through pain and/or feel pressured into returning to work prematurely,”.
Team members with chronic pain, arthritis, or other injuries/conditions may struggle to sit in an uncomfortable chair for long periods, causing physical pain and anxiety that leads to lower performance capabilities.
Studies show the average reported reduction in work productivity was roughly 2.4 hours per week for adults with joint pain, with approximately 9.8 hours per week for adults with multisite chronic pain.
Here’s a brief list of things that chronic pain affects in the workplace:
- Concentration and focus
- Job performance
- Job satisfaction
- Physical mobility
- Task completion
- Problem-solving
- Stress levels
- Productivity
- Quality of work
- Interpersonal relationships
- Company softball team or golf league performance (Ok, maybe this won’t affect your company’s profits, but it does affect “company morale”)
So, what does that look like in dollar signs for your bottom line? Let’s take a look at the economic impact of chronic pain on a business’s ability to be profitable and successful.
Reasonable adjustments for chronic pain
While productivity is essential, consistently doing too much when living with chronic pain leads to sheer exhaustion, and for me, it often requires at least a day or two off work to recuperate. On the other hand, working at a comfortable and steady pace throughout the day promotes improved productivity and reduces my work absences.
Reasonable adjustments for chronic pain in the workplace can go beyond providing massage chairs. Companies can also consider other adjustments to ensure their team members are able to work in a comfortable environment. For example, my boss is amazingly supportive and has allowed me to work from home 100% of the time in these last couple of months of suffering.
Adjustable desks and chairs to accommodate workers with chronic pain can be adjusted to the user’s comfort level, which helps relieve pressure on joints, reduces fatigue, and improves posture.
Another way to make reasonable adjustments is to provide ergonomic office accessories like footrests, wrist rests, and lumbar supports. These ergonomic products assist in reducing strain on the body and help relieve pain.
Companies may also consider providing flexible working hours and work-from-home options, just as my company has done for me. Flexible schedules allow employees to work during their most productive times, reducing the pressure to complete tasks during a specific period. In addition, work-from-home options can enable team members to work in an environment specifically tailored to their needs.
Employers that can provide access to mental health resources to those living with chronic pain are essential, as chronic pain is mentally taxing, and having a therapist to cope with the stress of the condition is beneficial.
Chronic pain statistics worldwide
Chronic pain is a global, common disease, affecting one in five people worldwide. In China, research indicates that the prevalence of chronic pain is estimated to be around 20%. Thus, in a Chinese population of 1 million people, 200,000 people would be living with chronic pain.
In other countries, the prevalence of chronic pain may vary due to differences in healthcare systems and treatments. For example, in the United States, the National Institutes of Health estimates the prevalence of chronic pain at 40 million people, or 17%. For instance, in a U.S. population of 1 million, 170,000 people would live with chronic pain.
Recent studies found that the total incremental cost of health care due to pain ranged from $261 to $300 billion. The value of lost productivity is based on three estimates: days of work missed (ranging from $11.6 to $12.7 billion), hours of work lost (from $95.2 to $96.5 billion), and lower wages (from $190.6 to $226.3 billion).
In European countries, such as Germany and the United Kingdom, chronic pain affects approximately 19% of the population. The variation in prevalence often reflects differences in diagnostic criteria and cultural attitudes toward pain management.
Furthermore, chronic pain often results in the necessity for long-term care and rehabilitation services, contributing to the challenges faced by healthcare providers in managing this pervasive issue. As we move forward, investing in research, preventive measures and personalized therapeutic approaches becomes crucial to mitigating the wide-reaching consequences of chronic pain.
Can chronic pain make it hard to work?
In conclusion, flexible working hours and work-from-home options, just as my company has done for me, allow me to work during my most productive times, reducing the pressure to complete tasks during a specific period.
In addition, work-from-home options enable team members to work in an environment specifically tailored to their needs. Evenings versus mornings work well as it often takes longer for me to get out of bed, get loosened up, and be capable of sitting comfortably in front of the computer.