‘SLIPPED DISCS, TRAPPED NERVES AND WEAR AND TEAR’: EXPLANATIONS FOR BACK PAIN FROM UK HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS

Abstract

Introduction: Guidelines for the management of LBP recommend diagnostic triage where most cases are classified ‘non-specific’, although studies have suggested this term is unsatisfactory to patients and practitioners. We aimed to describe the explanations for LBP used by general practitioners (GPs) and physiotherapists (PTs) in the UK.

Methods: Content analysis of an open question in a cross-sectional survey of GPs and PTs, based on a vignette of a patient with non-specific LBP. Respondents provided their explanation for the patient’s LBP in the language they would use with the patient. A coding schedule was developed (AB and NF) and applied to all data (AB).

Results: Survey response was 22% (n=446) for GPs and 55% for PTs (n=1091, 580 had seen a patient with LBP in the preceding 6 months were analysed). Responses to the open question were provided by 430 GPs and 560 PTs. Both professions used predominantly biomedical explanations (68% GPs, 51% PTs) such as tissue labels (e.g. ‘muscle’, ’disc’), ‘degeneration’ and ‘wear and tear’. PTs often gave lifestyle factors as reasons for LBP, with ‘work’ (19% PTs) and ‘posture’ (26% PTs) the most common. Only 2.8% of GPs and 6.4% of PTs would explain that the cause of LBP is unknown and use of the term ‘non-specific LBP’ was rare (0.9% GPs, 1.6% PTs).

Conclusion: Explanations for LBP used by GPs and PTs remain predominantly biomedical. The term ‘non-specific LBP’ is used very rarely. Further research needs to investigate appropriate language that explains non-specific LBP that is acceptable to both practitioners and patients.