A Literature Review on Chronic Pain: The Daily Overcoming of a Complex Problem

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic pain has an impact on the working life of those affected, but what about other areas of daily living? The objective in this research paper is to review the relationship between chronic pain and engagement in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), sleep and family life. Method: A search in the Medline (2006–2010) and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL) (2004–2010) databases using the key terms ‘chronic pain’, ‘family’, ‘sleep disorders’ and ‘occupation’ was carried out. To be included, articles had to refer to the effects of chronic pain on IADLs, on sleep or on the family. Studies in which a specific diagnosis or condition was discussed were excluded to provide a more general view of the effects of chronic pain. Quality was assessed using the STROBE statement scale (for descriptive studies, from Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology), the Qualitative Research Guidelines Project (for qualitative studies) and the PRISMA statement scale (for systematic reviews, from Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Results: Of the 256 articles obtained from the search, 13 met the inclusion criteria. The articles show that chronic pain indeed has an impact on the lives of those affected in other areas besides work rehabilitation. Conclusion: Occupational therapists must consider levels of performance and engagement in all occupational domains of an individual, even when focusing on a single domain due to the work setting or commissioning process.