Chronic Pain Makes People ‘Lose Sense of Self’

Sharon Moore December 06, 2013

A new study has found that individuals who live with daily pain often face a struggle with their sense of self and find it difficult to prove the legitimacy of their condition.

Researchers at the National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research (HS&DR) Programme examined the growing body of qualitative research on musculoskeletal pain to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of people suffering from chronic pain. Their findings revealed that patients tend to struggle with the fundamental relationship with their body, and a sense that it is no longer “the real me.” They also have a loss of certainty of the future, and are aware of the restrictions of their body. Chronic pain sufferers also think they are lost in the health care system and feel that there is no answer to their pain. Furthermore, they find it impossible to ‘prove’ their pain. For instance, patients worried that if they appear ‘too sick’ or ‘not too sick enough’ then no one will believe them.

Low quality of life

“Being able to collate this vast amount of information from patients paints a worrying picture about the experiences they have with chronic non-malignant pain. Our goal has to be to use this information to improve our understanding of their condition and, consequently, the quality of care we can provide.” says Kate Seers, D.Sc., a professor of Health Research at Warwick University. “Having patients feel that they have to legitimize their pain, and the sense that doctors might not believe them, is something that should really concern us as health care professionals.”

“This paper shows there can be value in discussing the condition with other people who are going through the same experience and knowing that you are not alone. Of course you can learn about your condition from various sources, but sharing your experience seems to really help people to move forward.” says Researcher Francine Toye, Ph.D.,

The research team has identified several methods that can help improve the quality of life of people with chronic pain. The key for some people, according to the researchers, is building a new relationship with their body and redefining what is ‘normal’ rather than trying to maintain the lifestyle before the pain. Another is developing an understanding of what the body is capable of and becoming confident to make choices can aid the process of living with musculoskeletal pain.

Social network development among individuals with similar conditions, or among those who have moved on with their life despite the daily pain, is also critical for long-term success, the researchers add.

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Living with Chronic Pain Challenges Sense of Self