Construction is one of the occupations that can cause the most pain. Among construction workers, specialists like roofers and sheetrock installers can have some of the worst problems. Not only do they lift all day, but their work is repetitive, which can cause pain and flare-ups in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
White-collar positions are recommended for those with chronic pain to ensure body stressing is kept to a minimum. Jobs such as administration, copywriting, marketing and IT enable people to continue to work, adapt to their condition and manage their pain levels.
People with osteoarthritis are often expected to stop working because their disease has become too debilitating and restricting. If your osteoarthritis is making it impossible for you to work, you could be eligible for Social Security Disability payments.
Fibromyalgia can qualify you for disability benefits as long as your condition leaves you unable to hold a job. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), fibromyalgia falls somewhere between an immune system and musculoskeletal condition.
Use distractions when pain intensifies. Do a word-search, listen to music, have a healthy snack in a mindful way, talk with a colleague, or step outside for a break. Engage in positive self-talk such as reminding yourself that things could be worse, and you can get through it.
Tips on coping with chronic pain
Learning how to deal with your stress in healthy ways can position you to cope more effectively with your chronic pain. Eating well, getting plenty of sleep and engaging in approved physical activity are all positive ways for you to handle your stress and pain.
Regardless of its source, chronic pain can disrupt nearly all aspects of someone's life – beyond physical pain, it can impede their ability to work and participate in social and other activities like they used to, impact their relationships and cause feelings of isolation, frustration and anxiety.
All military roles have their difficulties, but challenging roles such as a Marine and mercenary are among the hardest in the world. These positions require soldiers to put their lives at risk on a daily basis. However, the high paycheck can make up for the serious stress and possible trauma that may result.
The definition of burnout is for example very similar to that of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with regard to fatigue and restraints on daily functioning. Burnout, however, can be distinguished from CFS by the attribution of fatigue to work instead of somatic factors (Hoogduin et al., 2001; Huibers et al., 2003).
Some people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) are able to work and have a job that is flexible and meets their needs. However, if you have CFS and are unable to work, you can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA).
You may find that you can't continue working due to fatigue, or that you have to reduce the amount of time that you spend at work. It can help to talk to your employer or personnel/human resources officer and let them know that you may need some time off due to your illness or its treatment.
ME/CFS is not a psychological disorder. However, living with a chronic illness is challenging, especially one that involves missing out on normal life activities, and this may lead to mental health problems like anxiety or depression.
Stay active, when you can
On the whole, the answer is "keep moving." Your joints were made to move. They need movement to nourish the joint and keep the muscles around the joint strong and limber. Doctors encourage their patients with arthritis to be as active as they can—as long as it isn't exacerbating joint pain.
Most severe forms of arthritis can cause permanent joint damage and disability. Arthritis is often referred to as a 'hidden disability'. A person struggling with arthritis may not have a visible disability but can endure constant pain, joint restriction, chronic fatigue and associated functional and mobility issues.
Qualifying for Disability with Arthritis
In order to qualify for disability benefits, your arthritis condition must be so severe that it prevents you from working, and it is expected to last for at least a year.