Expert Q&A for How to Pace Yourself with Chronic Pain

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Question

Can my boss make me do something that triggers my chronic pain?

Peggy Rios, PhD
Counseling Psychologist
Dr. Peggy Rios is a Counseling Psychologist based in Florida. With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Rios works with people struggling with psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. She specializes in medical psychology, weaving together behavioral health programs informed by empowerment theory and trauma treatment. Dr. Rios uses integrated, evidence-based models to provide support and therapy for people with life-altering medical conditions. She holds an MS and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Rios is a licensed psychologist in the state of Florida.

Peggy Rios, PhD

Counseling Psychologist

Expert Answer

Well, if you have chronic pain at work, you actually do have the right to have certain accommodations. The laws for this are different depending on where you are, but in general, you shouldn't be obligated to put yourself in pain. This would be a good thing to talk to your HR department about.

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Question

What's the most polite way to turn something down if it will cause me pain?

Peggy Rios, PhD
Counseling Psychologist
Dr. Peggy Rios is a Counseling Psychologist based in Florida. With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Rios works with people struggling with psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. She specializes in medical psychology, weaving together behavioral health programs informed by empowerment theory and trauma treatment. Dr. Rios uses integrated, evidence-based models to provide support and therapy for people with life-altering medical conditions. She holds an MS and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Rios is a licensed psychologist in the state of Florida.

Peggy Rios, PhD

Counseling Psychologist

Expert Answer

Just tell them, "My body doesn't tend to respond well to that, so I'm going to have to pass," or something like that. You don't need to reveal any personal information or something like that, and most people will back off once you let them know something will cause you pain.

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Question

I tried dancing for exercise and was very sore the next day, what exercise might be better?

Janice Litza, MD
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Litza is a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician based in Racine, Wisconsin. With over 25 years of educational and professional experience, she has extensive experience providing full-spectrum Family Medicine, including obstetrics, newborn care, and hospital medicine. She is currently the Residency Program Director for Family Medicine at Ascension. Dr. Litza received her MD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health and has completed additional fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona.

Janice Litza, MD

Board Certified Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

Listening to your body is key with fibromyalgia and there is wide spectrum of symptoms for the same diagnosis. Generally, slowly increasing the intensity and length of time for exercise and other enjoyable vigorous activity is recommended. Dancing is great, but you might need to start more slowly so your body can adjust.

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Question

How do I get a job if I have chronic pain?

Peggy Rios, PhD
Counseling Psychologist
Dr. Peggy Rios is a Counseling Psychologist based in Florida. With over 24 years of experience, Dr. Rios works with people struggling with psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression. She specializes in medical psychology, weaving together behavioral health programs informed by empowerment theory and trauma treatment. Dr. Rios uses integrated, evidence-based models to provide support and therapy for people with life-altering medical conditions. She holds an MS and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Rios is a licensed psychologist in the state of Florida.

Peggy Rios, PhD

Counseling Psychologist

Expert Answer

If you have chronic pain at work, you actually do have the right to certain accommodations like an ergonomic workstation or more frequent breaks so your pain doesn't build throughout the day. Discuss that with HR to ensure you're able to implement those changes.

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