Dimensional interpretation of joint and muscle pain in adult women

Abigail Fernández-Sánchez, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
Sandra Hernández-Corral, Unidad de Investigación Multidisciplinaria en Salud, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra, Ciudad de México, México
Claudia Rodríguez-Leana, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
Beatriz L. Rodríguez-Bahena, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
Paola A. Ortega-Ceballos, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
Aimée R. López-Miguez, Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México

Introduction: Muscle and joint pain is a public health problem for the general population, it affects people’s daily and work activities, this problem decreases the quality of life of people derived from the deterioration of mobility and chronicity; in the short term they require attachments to move, therefore the costs are high, as well as the diversity of treatments that at times do not work and complicate the state of health of the person. The main cause of disability worldwide is joint disorders, due to the presence of regional or generalized pain manifested by inflammatory diseases, including connective tissue disorders or vasculitis, among others. Objective: To characterize the dimensional interpretation based on the daily life experiences of women suffering from chronic muscle and joint pain and its repercussions. Method: Qualitative interpretative and phenomenological study based on Husserl’s understanding of being in everyday life, based on in-depth interviews with adult women with chronic pain. It focused on experiences and expectations, daily life at home, women’s work, treatments to attenuate pain. After an appointment and informed consent that includes confidentiality, as well as permission to record the interview, by means of a semi-structured interview in the room where the physiotherapy is carried out. Results: Four categories emerged: explaining pain, meaning of treatment, meaning in daily life, and experiences and emotions. Conclusions: The daily life of women suffering from chronic pain affects their activities which is reflected in their experiences and emotions.

Keywords: Interpretation. Muscle and joint pain. Impairment. Experiences. Women.