A qualitative study on pain experiences and pain behavior in patients with chronic facial pain

Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to investigate personal experiences of pain and to determine the resulting restrictions and impairments in patients with chronic facial pain. This was performed by means of a special interview procedure. Materials and methods: The study was conducted within the framework of an eight-week project of the physiotherapy BA program at the Osnabrück University, Germany. A total of eight female patients were interviewed and the results were evaluated using the Mayring qualitative content analysis method. Results: The patients reported that their quality of life was severely restricted. Some of them also mentioned a problematic relationship with their physician, which was partly due to a disturbed communication between physician and patient. Apart from pain-related financial problems, also physical changes of the facial structure due to pain were reported. Discussion: All patients wished for a faster and more patient-oriented therapy. The patients and even some of their physicians were not sufficiently informed about physiotherapeutic treatment options for chronic facial pain.Physiotherapy should consolidate its value in the treatment of orofacial pain and further studies should be carried out to support its significance. Keywords: chronic pain, chronic facial pain, pain experiences, pain behavior, qualitative study