Women and Chronic Pain: Understanding the challenges and empowering for change

ABSTRACT

In the United States, there are approximately 28 million women are living with chronic pain. Women who experience chronic pain face many obstacles through the diagnosis and treatment processes for their chronic pain condition(s). Chronic pain impacts all areas of life, including physical and mental health, relationships, and employment. Through the use of a feminist approach to therapy, women with chronic pain can be empowered to find control in their experience and develop strategies to live fulfilling and meaningful lives. This article will explore the impact of chronic pain, provide interventions for feminist therapists to use to promote coping, and provide suggestions for future research.

KEYWORDS:

• chronic pain
• coping
• high-impact chronic pain
• women