Understanding patients' perceptions of uncomplicated low back pain: a theory-informed qualitative study using the Common-Sense Self-Regulation Model.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Uncomplicated low-back pain (LBP), referring to LBP without symptoms that suggest an underlying medical or surgical cause, is a common and challenging problem for patients and primary healthcare providers. Multiple guidelines discourage the use of diagnostic imaging for uncomplicated LBP due to cost and lack of benefit; despite this, diagnostic imaging remains overused in this condition. Study of primary healthcare providers suggests that patient expectations contribute to imaging for uncomplicated LBP. Dedicated study of patient understanding and experiences of uncomplicated LBP is necessary to design interventions to reduce unnecessary diagnostic imaging.

Methods

In this theory-guided qualitative study, people with uncomplicated LBP were recruited for a semi-str

SUBMITTER: Ruzycki SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11934724 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature