Impact of flare-ups on the lives of individuals with low back pain: A qualitative investigation

Objectives: Investigating flare-ups has become relevant to understanding and managing low back pain (LBP), particularly because there has been a shift in the conceptualization of LBP from acute or chronic to fluctuating or episodic. Available research mainly consists of quantitative studies, which are unable to fully explore the perspectives of individuals with LBP. This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the changes in individual's lives when they experience LBP flare-up. Design and participants: A qualitative survey of 130 adult participants with LBP was conducted online, and data analyzed via thematic analysis. Results: The themes from the analysis were: 1) sense of disablement, 2) changes in mood, 3) use of coping strategies, and 4) lack of understanding from other people. Participants described LBP flare-ups as having a negative impact on many areas of their lives, with a few even expressing suicidal ideations. Conclusions: Results suggest the importance of considering that LBP flare-ups impact individual's lives in a complex manner including psychosocial and functional effects. Clinicians should consider this complexity in their interactions with, and management of, patients with LBP flare-ups. Additional education may be required to better equip clinicians for these numerous aspects.