Nonspecific Chronic Orofacial Pain: Studying Patient Experiences and Perspectives with a Qualitative Approach
Author
Summary, in English
Aims: To analyze the nonspecific chronic orofacial pain patient's experience of the pain condition and to gain knowledge on the complexity of the problem. Methods: Fourteen patients (1 I female, 3 male) aged 21 to 77 years were selected among those referred to a specialist clinic. All selected patients agreed to participate. Data were obtained through thematic in-depth interviews that exposed the context of the orofacial pain condition. The 2 interviews with each patient were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. The text material was analyzed using a qualitative research strategy based on phenomenology. Results: The essence of the chronic orofacial pain was expressed by the patients as something that eludes perception and comprehension. The pain was difficult to grasp and to communicate, The consequence of the pain was experienced by the patients as to be stricken by the pain and was expressed as living a life permeated by hopelessness, resignation, and a lack of faith. Conclusion: The patients in this study experienced their chronic orofacial pain to have no limits and to repressively permeate all aspects of their existence: social, practical, and emotional. J OROFAC PAIN 2008;22:349-358
Department/s
Publishing year
2008
Language
English
Pages
349-358
Publication/Series
Journal of Orofacial Pain
Volume
22
Issue
4
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Quintessence Publishing
Topic
- Psychology
Keywords
- qualitative research
- patient perspective
- pain consequence
- chronic pain
- facial pain
Status
Published
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 1064-6655