Chronic pain is a widespread issue in the United States, with over 11 percent of Americans reporting that they suffer from daily pain that interferes with their life (cite NIH). Pain management is often impersonal and relies heavily on the use of prescription drugs, which can lead to long-term dependence and devastating side effects. In 2015, 3-4% of adults were given a long-term opioid prescription to manage their chronic pain (cite new England). Occupational therapy can play an important role in the management of symptoms for individuals with chronic pain, but is underutilized today. By including occupational therapy in the routine treatment of chronic pain, it may be possible to increase the quality of life for individuals who suffer from chronic pain while decreasing the amount of long-term opioids that are prescribed.
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Work becomes too tiring, and leisure activities are no longer enjoyable for many who are constantly battling pain. Decreased participation in daily activities leads to a decreased quality of life. The management of chronic pain should not only look at the causes of pain, but how the pain impacts the individual. One of the main goals of occupational therapy is to help people return to their chosen daily activities at the highest level of function possible. Occupational therapists are experts when it comes to adapting daily activities to the individual, to maximize both function and quality of life. An occupational therapist can work with an individual with chronic pain to identify activities that increase their pain, provide alternative ways to complete activities that often increase pain, and provide coping methods for periods of severe pain. The skills learned in occupational therapy give the patient an active role in their treatment, and provide them with methods to manage pain in the
Work becomes too tiring, and leisure activities are no longer enjoyable for many who are constantly battling pain. Decreased participation in daily activities leads to a decreased quality of life. The management of chronic pain should not only look at the causes of pain, but how the pain impacts the individual. One of the main goals of occupational therapy is to help people return to their chosen daily activities at the highest level of function possible. Occupational therapists are experts when it comes to adapting daily activities to the individual, to maximize both function and quality of life. An occupational therapist can work with an individual with chronic pain to identify activities that increase their pain, provide alternative ways to complete activities that often increase pain, and provide coping methods for periods of severe pain. The skills learned in occupational therapy give the patient an active role in their treatment, and provide them with methods to manage pain in the