Abstract
The purpose of this research is to explore influences and identify similar characteristics related to trauma that contribute to chronic pain in individuals. This is an exploratory, qualitative study and was conducted using a Grounded Theory design. There were six respondents who participated, and the research involved interviewing the participants with in-depth, open ended questions, using an audio tape recorder. The participant’s answers were transcribed and categorized into six common themes using open coding. The analysis showed that unresolved historical trauma that hasn’t been treated, can trigger and exacerbate a pain episode. Cumulative emotional stress is common as life’s stresses can overlap and build upon each other. Acceptance is a state that is optimal for chronic pain sufferer’s as it appears that once there is acceptance, a management program can be incorporated with treatment to enhance more quality into a way of life into place. Legacy of poor coping skills often creates a barrier for chronic pain suffers as they do not know how to manage chronic pain correctly. The most challenging aspect of this exploration was the small sample size of participants, due to lack of time availability of many of health care practitioners.