Returning to Work and Staying at Work with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

TRACK: OEM Clinical Practice

Russell Gelfman, MD, MS, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Chronic musculoskeletal pain is prevalent in the population and the costs associated with the resultant absenteeism and losses of productivity are high. While past research has often focused on individuals who are disabled from work, there have been several more recent studies examining the factors associated with staying at work despite the presence of chronic musculoskeletal pain. This session will review the evidence regarding these factors and provide insights for clinicians in occupational medicine and rehabilitation to help support and promote strategies that help workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain not only return to work, but also to stay at work.