A qualitative exploration of resilience among patients living with chronic pain.

Abstract

An estimated 100 million Americans are living with chronic pain. The majority of the chronic pain literature focuses on the biological impact of the condition, and very little attention is given to patients’ lived experience with chronic pain and the enactment of their resiliency. Yet, resiliency may play a critical role in patients’ experience of pain intensity as well as self-efficacy to manage their pain. The main objective of this study was to explore the origin and enactment of resiliency across a sample of 12 chronic pain patients. In-depth phone interviews were conducted, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results indicate that patients exhibited resiliency in four ways: (1) developing a sense of control—independently seeking information and cross-checking this information with their doctors’ recommendations, (2) active engagement in medical and complementary treatment, (3) establishing social connections, and (4) exhibiting pain acceptance and positive affect. This study lays the foundation to explore whether resiliency improves clinical outcomes among patients living with chronic pain. The findings support the need for clinicians to evaluate and treat chronic pain patients through the lens of resiliency.

Upregulation of CXCR4 through promoter demethylation contributes to inflammatory hyperalgesia in rats

“…At present, it is generally believed that that tissue damage or inflammation leading to release of inflammatory factors is an important factor in the formation and development of chronic pain . Statistical results show that America has currently about 100 million patients with chronic pain . Due to the unclear pathogenesis of chronic pain and lack of effective treatment, the patients have suffered great physical and psychological pain.…”

The doctor–patient relationship and patient resilience in chronic pain: A qualitative approach to patients’ perspectives

“…13,14 Stewart and Yuen in their systematic review concluded that there were no studies examining how health care professionals can promote resilience in the physically ill. 14 Concerning chronic pain, based on a recent qualitative study, the main factors of resilience are: gaining a sense of control, active engagement in the treatment, establishing social connections and accepting the pain. 15 Certain elements of the physician’s support, such as informing patients and involving them into the medical decision making, have been shown to facilitate pain acceptance. 16 However, the role of the doctor–patient relationship in other facets of the resilience process in chronic pain is yet to be explored.…”

Increasing access to pain management: Feasibility of a self-compassion psychoeducational website using a minimally monitored delivery model

“…This is significant as pain resilience has been shown to predict quality of life among chronic pain patients ( Ankawi et al, 2017 ; France et al, 2020 ). In a qualitative review of resilience in pain groups, patients successfully exhibited resilience by establishing social connections and demonstrating pain acceptance and positive affect ( Rolbiecki et al, 2017 ). Increasing self-compassion likely allows participants to develop a sense of common humanity and social engagement (as opposed to isolation) which may contribute to pain resilience.…”

“…The fact that few participants practiced meditation may have played a role as well as mindful meditation has been found to significantly increase pain acceptance compared to a wait list control ( la Cour and Petersen, 2015 ). Nevertheless, programs centered on self-compassion may increase acceptance with the added benefits of a sense of common humanity and reduced rumination ( Ferrari et al, 2019 ) both of which have been shown to relate to resilience and reduced pain catastrophizing ( Arnow et al, 2011 ; Rolbiecki et al, 2017 ).…”