THE BENEFITS OF BACK PAIN

Background. Chronic lower back pain (CLBP), without definable cause, i s a symptom commonly presented to GPs, accounting for a significant pr oportion of their workload; it is also a common reason for sickness ab sence, and thus of national economic importance. Objectives. This qual itative study aims to explore how sufferers of CLBP describe their pai n and its impact on their lives, and how their problem is dealth with in the consultation with their family doctor. Method. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with a sample of attenders at a back pain clinic set up in general practice. Transcription and analysis was carr ied out using a grounded-theory approach. Results. Sufferers of CLBP d escribe withdrawal from normal social obligations, including work. The y view their GP as being unable to help and, because of this, the doct or becomes a resource through which their social and economic inactivi ty can be legitimated. Conclusions. Presenting with CLBP permits the p atient a good deal of power over the GP: it is difficult for the GP to challenge the patient's ideas without damaging the relationship. GPs are forced to collude with the patient's definition of ill-health, whi ch may not be in the best interests of the patient or society.