Performing occupations under pain: the experience of persons with chronic pain

Chronic pain is known as a complex and subjective phenomenon that challenges healthcare professionals who coach and support clients with chronic pain. The aim of this study was to explore how persons with chronic pain experienced their occupational performance. Eight persons suffering from chronic pain were interviewed and the data was analysed with the constant comparative method. Three themes were identified: "Performing is an ongoing attraction", "Getting used to taking breaks is not easy", and "The challenge to finish performing". "Performing is an ongoing attraction" illustrates the innate need of every human being to be active and also how pleasurable occupations do not influence pain. The ongoing thoughts and emotions while participants stop their performance are described in "Getting used to taking breaks is not easy". This stop and go during every occupation is discussed in the perspective of temporality and occupational performance. In "The challenge to finish performing" the participants describe how they complete certain occupations despite pain. This is discussed with the focus on distraction and flow experience.