Does exercise relieve my pain? A qualitative study about perceptions of patients with low back pain

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES : Physical exercise is recommended by the guidelines for the treatment of chronic low back pain, but the patients’ perspective on this therapeutic modality is little explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the perception of patients with chronic low back pain about physical exercise for symptom control. METHODS : This is a descriptive qualitative study, which investigated people with chronic low back pain on the waiting list for Phy-siotherapy outpatient clinic. Data was collected through individual, semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted online, investigating the perception of memory from previous experiences of exercise. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS : Fourteen adults (10 women and 4 men) were inter-viewed. The data was categorized into three moments: (1) perceptions during exercise, (2) perceptions after exercise, and (3) long-term perceptions. The perceptions of pain and discomfort that occur at the beginning of any type of exercise or physical activity usually disappear in the first few weeks, however, when they are not well tolerated, they can lead to withdrawal or discontinuing of the practice. Although the majority reported pain relief, a feeling of relaxation and ease in performing functional activities, in the period immediately after exercise some partici-Does