Laura Kiesel

While illnesses and medical conditions may prevent some people from working, millions of Americans are with chronic health conditions are able to work because of legal protections guaranteed under the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are resources available to people who need assistance with work accommodations.

As it becomes more apparent that there is a connection between childhood trauma and physical and emotional health problems in adults, treatment approaches that acknowledge this link are likely to be more effective on both sides.

Even with comprehensive insurance, people with chronic conditions must shoulder the costs of many treatment-related expenses that are not covered because they are considered complementary or alternative therapies.

The changes in understanding around substance use disorders are making treatment more readily available to those who need it and reducing the stigma attached to addiction, but may make those with addiction in their family history feel that the change has come too late for them.

Most people dealing with chronic pain are women, but most pain research has been done on men. The disparity in how women are diagnosed and treated is unfair, and can be dangerous.

Comprehensive programs for chronic pain involve a variety of components, from body mechanics to nutrition to occupational therapy and beyond. And while there is no easy fix for chronic pain, and sometimes no permanent fix at all, unexpected victories can be made in the search for answers.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a connective tissue disorder most commonly characterized by joints that stretch too far, pain, and greater susceptibility to injury. Awareness of the condition is not high, which can make getting an accurate diagnosis difficult.

As currently structured, the American health care system makes it very difficult for those with chronic illnesses to manage their conditions, causing them to perform the equivalent of unpaid labor.

If you know someone dealing with chronic pain it’s tempting to offer advice, but whatever the suggestion might be, that person has almost certainly tried it already. Simply taking time to listen and empathize may be more helpful.

Conditions that cause chronic pain are not always easy to diagnose, and sometimes doctors can be dismissive of people with pain that does not have a readily identifiable cause.