Many people know the discomfort of back pain during long meetings or wrist pain while racing against deadlines. For some, a busy day at work triggers migraines. If you’ve experienced any of these, you’re certainly not alone.
Recent data shows that approximately 25% of U.S. adults endure chronic pain. This figure represents an increase from 19% in 2019 to 23% in 2023, indicating a growing trend of individuals experiencing persistent pain.
Chronic pain presents significant challenges not only for employees but also for employers and the economy, contributing to an estimated US$722 billion annually in lost productivity.
Researchers in management, including Kimberly Rocheville of Creighton University and Njoke Thomas of Boston College, have delved into why chronic pain frequently hinders workers’ abilities to perform their duties and maintain their jobs.
Health Implications
A study published by the Academy of Management Journal in January 2026 involved 66 interviews conducted between 2019 and 2021 with U.S. workers suffering from chronic pain lasting at least three months. The sample, predominantly women at 78%, included professionals from various fields, such as law, education, healthcare, and retail. Participants reported diverse pain types, including back issues and migraines.
Workers often felt compelled to embody what the researchers termed an “ideal worker body,” characterized by the ability to meet job demands despite experiencing pain. This expectation was consistent across professions, from manual labor to executive roles, resulting in individuals striving to perform tasks like lifting or sitting still, despite their discomfort.
The push to prioritize work over personal well-being can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health, exacerbating the pain for many.
The Cycle of Pain and Concealment
Participants often felt inadequate due to their physical limitations, leading them to hide their pain. They engaged in behaviors such as taking stairs instead of elevators or avoiding visible pain management practices, like applying ice.
This concealment typically worsened their conditions, eventually reaching points where their pain impeded both work performance and daily life. Some had to change jobs or leave the workforce entirely, illustrating how chronic pain is a major cause of eligibility for long-term disability benefits.
Finding Relief from the Cycle
Some individuals managed to break free from this damaging cycle. Key factors included having medical professionals who validated their pain and provided clear diagnoses, which alleviated the pressure to appear healthy.
Supportive workplaces that valued work output over physical appearance also played a crucial role. These environments allowed employees to adapt their work methods, like using dictation software or adjusting physical tasks, to better accommodate their needs. Innovations in work practices, such as an ultrasound technician alternating arms or a deli worker using a cart, helped mitigate pain.
While the study focused on the impact of societal pressures on those with chronic pain, the implications are broader. The pressure to hide discomfort is prevalent in various social settings, and neglecting self-care can contribute to increasing pain.
