Know Your Rights: Workplace Accommodations for Chronic Pain Under the ADA

If chronic pain substantially limits one or more major life activities, you are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This means your employer must provide reasonable accommodations to help you perform your job — and they cannot discriminate against you because of your condition. Common accommodations for chronic pain include flexible scheduling, the ability to work from home, ergonomic equipment, modified break schedules, and adjusted workload during flares. Your employer must engage in an interactive process to determine what accommodations are reasonable. To request accommodations, put your request in writing and provide documentation from your healthcare provider. You do not need to disclose your specific diagnosis — only that you have a condition that requires accommodation. If your employer denies your request, you can file a complaint with the EEOC.