Recovery despite everyday pain: Women's experiences of living with whiplash‐associated disorder

Abstract

Introduction Living with whiplash‐associated disorders (WAD) means living every day under the influence of pain and limitations. As the incidence of WAD and the related intensity of pain are somewhat higher among women than men, the aim of the present study was to describe women's experiences of living with WAD. Methods A purposive sample of seven women participated in individual in‐depth qualitative interviews, the transcripts of which were subjected to qualitative content analysis. Results The results of the analysis suggested six themes of women's experiences with WAD: living with unpredictable pain; trying to manage the pain; living with limitations; being unable to work as before; needing support and understanding; and learning to live with limitations. The findings showed that unpredictable pain limited women's strength to engage in activities of daily life and be as active as before. Support and understanding were important for their ability to manage changes in their daily lives. Conclusions Pain considerably affects the daily lives of women with WAD, particularly by limiting their ability to perform activities and to enjoy their professional and social lives. As women with WAD need support with managing their daily lives, nurses and other healthcare personnel should adopt a person‐centred approach, in order to support such women according to their individual needs and circumstances.

Return to work a bumpy road: a qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders

“…Previous qualitative studies have explored the experience of living with WAD [15][16][17][18], including challenges in returning to work [18][19][20]. Work resumption was identified as the biggest challenge in the rehabilitation process [19] and in one study, participants expressed sadness over being unable to work [20]. There are however no previous studies focusing on work ability and work situation from the perspective of individuals with chronic WAD.…”

Return to work a bumpy road: A qualitative study on experiences of work ability and work situation in individuals with chronic whiplash-associated disorders

“…Previous qualitative studies have explored the experience of living with WAD [15][16][17][18], including challenges in returning to work [18][19][20]. Work resumption was identi ed as the biggest challenge in the rehabilitation process [19] and in one study, participants expressed sadness over being unable to work [20]. There are however no previous studies focusing on work ability and work situation from the perspective of individuals with chronic WAD.…”