Patient Experience of Living with Orofacial Pain: An Interpretive Phenomenological Study

Abstract

This study investigated the experience of living with chronic orofacial pain. Participating in this study’s individual in-depth interviews were 6 participants with chronic orofacial pain who were undergoing treatment at a pain clinic. In consideration of the empirical nature of the study, the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed from an interpretive phenomenological approach. The participants in the study experienced various types of loss as a result of chronic pain, such as the loss of employment, self-identity, and the ability to enjoy eating and engaging in social activities. Other findings revealed a disbelief among the families and medical community in the pain reported by the participants in this study. In addition, the current study explores the dissatisfaction of these participants with their journey through the health care system. Previous studies have concentrated on chronic pain predominantly through quantitative methods based on measurements, such as questionnaires. The biomedical aspects of pain are essential to report, yet the emphasis on this can result in overlooking the experience of living with chronic pain. Qualitative methodologies are necessary for gaining a more profound understanding of and appreciation for the individual patient and his or her unique perspective. The present study may benefit those living with chronic pain, since this sharing of experiences can help sufferers feel less isolated in their agony. The current article’s intention is to report these experiences in such a way that chronic pain sufferers and laypeople can comprehend and relate to them. In addition, the findings of this study should promote the knowledge and understanding of health care providers who deal with chronic pain sufferers, so that treatment is provided with more empathy and compassion.

Knowledge Transfer Statement: The findings of the present study may assist health care professionals interacting regularly with sufferers of chronic pain to gain a deeper understanding of the chronic pain experience and how to best support these patients.