Challenges and lived experiences of patients who suffer from chronic back pain: a phenomenological study

Chronic low back pain is a complex disorder with wide-ranging adverse consequences that can impact on people’s lifestyles. It has been suggested that further research is needed to develop a better understandin[1]g of its impact  and helped reaserchers to develop and adapt multicomponent interventions that will address patients needs. Thus,The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experience of chronic low back pain individuals in the Iranian culture.

A qualitative study using descriptive phenomenological approach was employed to conduct the study. The data collection method was semi-structured interview. 14 Chronic low back pain participants purposively recruited from Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. In-depth interviews were taped and transcribed interviews were analyzed based on the Colaizzi approach.

Result of the present study indicated that four major categories can be identified. They were including: 1)personal and psychological consequences, 2)social consequences, 3)Economic consequences  and 4)coping strategies.

Based on our results, we concluded that chronic low back pain has a majar determintial effect in all areas including self, work, and interpersonal relationships. In addition, they  experience significant psychological distress. these Findings improve our understanding of the patients experience and highlighte the necessity of measuring the pain consequences in research and in clinical practice. Also, it is important to address patients needs when treating chronic low back pain patients. Accordingly, it would be beneficial to adopt more psychological and family based interventions.