An Exploration of Low Back Pain Beliefs from a North American Based General Population

Abstract

Globally, low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability. LBP is usually benign yet is often interpreted as an ominous sign of disease. Prior research has demonstrated many populations have misinformed beliefs about the nature, etiology, and prognosis of LBP, with the primary source being healthcare professionals (HCP). There is a gap in knowledge about LBP beliefs in the North American (NA) population. Current beliefs must be identified to inform future educational interventions. We conducted a cross-sectional online qualitative survey to assess NA population beliefs about LBP. Participants were recruited via social media advertisements targeting individuals over age 18 with English speaking and reading comprehension. We used an inductive content analysis approach to develop categories based on participants' responses to 3 open-ended questions about the presumed cause of their low back pain, its persistence, and the source of these beliefs. 62 participants (51 women, 7 men) were included, mean age of 47.6 years, 33 located in U.S.A. and 29 in Canada. Participants presumed causes of LBP fell into three categories: physical (biology, biomechanics, prior injury), psychological, unknown. Similar themes were generated regarding reported reasons for the recurrence or persistence of LBP, with the addition of a single category, environmental. Participants' primary source of beliefs was HCP (n = 34, 55%) with secondary sources of family (n = 12, 19%) and internet (n = 12, 19%). Many participants reported multiple causes for LBP, however, these were mostly focused on the physical body, with minimal consideration of psychological and sociological influences.[PASD1] Our study findings align with prior research from other regions in the world, further demonstrating a need for updating clinical education and public messaging about LBP. Funding provided by Faculty Research Fund at Bridgewater College.