Unfiltered chronic pain: Insights from women of color through a virtual photovoice study

Photovoice was utilized with two groups of women of color in Ann Arbor, Michigan (n = 20) living with chronic pain to foster critical dialog about their experiences. The study aimed to explore and understand their lived experiences through collaborative engagement using a virtual Photovoice. The participants identified key themes, including pain, healing, self-care, overcoming obstacles, nature, and spirituality, which provided valuable insights into their journeys. Participant photographs and dialogues reveal how women of color navigate spaces where their pain is often misunderstood, while simultaneously alleviating pain and reclaiming dignity. To support holistic chronic pain management, systemic reforms must cover evidence-based complementary therapies, expand behavioral health access, fund community support groups, and mandate provider bias training co-designed by patients. These efforts should be guided by trauma-informed and interdisciplinary care models, supported by public awareness campaigns that validate the multidimensional reality of chronic pain and address structural barriers to wellness.