Chronic pain self-management during the return to work process: an integrative review

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Pain Management

Background:

• Chronic pain impacts worker functional capacity.
• Self-management strategies are crucial for maintaining or restoring work ability.
• The work context significantly influences chronic pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize scientific knowledge on chronic pain self-management strategies within the work context.
• To identify key factors influencing successful return to work for individuals with chronic pain.

Main Methods:

• Integrative literature review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases (2017-2022).
• Included studies used keywords: "chronic pain" and "return to work".

Main Results:

• 14 studies were included; most focused on individual-centered multidisciplinary programs.
• Interventions involving work supervisors and workplace actions were less common.
• Multidisciplinary approaches, individualized plans, worker participation, and workplace adaptations are vital.

Conclusions:

• Effective chronic pain self-management for return to work requires integrated strategies.
• Greater organizational involvement is essential due to the biopsychosocial nature of pain and work environment influence.
• Future research should explore enhanced employer and organizational participation.