Farmers’ Perspectives on Chronic Pain and Chronic Pain Management Strategies

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore farmers' perspectives on: 1) the meaning of chronic pain, 2) its impact, 3) their preferences for chronic pain management in the future, and 4) views on specific evidence-based chronic pain management strategies. METHODS: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian farmers with a history of chronic pain within the last 12 months. A positivist, descriptive approach to Thematic Analysis was employed for data analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen Australian farmers, aged 36-75 years, participated. Five themes and 11 sub-themes were identified: 1) pain is a normal part of life that we need to push through over the long term, but we do not talk about pain. It also means we need to learn to do things differently. We understand that there is no quick fix, so need long-term solutions. 2) Pain negatively affects my life and makes it hard to do what I want to do. It affects my mental health, ability to make decisions and relationships and costs me time and money. 3) We need access to clear, concise, and farmer-friendly pain education and support. We value advice and support from our peers. How we want pain education delivered depends on our age. Minimising travel and time investment makes it easier for us to engage with pain education. 4) We like to be able to self-manage pain and can be reluctant to seek professional help. Over-the-counter pain medications are often the first point of call for pain management. We prefer not to see a general practitioner (GP) or surgeon unless there is no other choice. We are open to psychological therapies as a strategy to improve pain, but initially find it difficult to understand their relevance to pain management. 5) Generally open to physiotherapy, chiropractic methods, pain education and tailored exercise programmes, but mixed views on needling and alternative approaches. CONCLUSION: Farmers perceive pain as a normal part of their lives. However, it adversely impacts their physical wellbeing, mental health, livelihoods and quality of life. Tailored, farmer-focused, evidence-based approaches to pain education and management are needed to better support this at-risk group.