[The pain takes hold of life. A qualitative study of how patients with chronic back pain experience and cope with their life situation].

Living with daily pain during a long period of time is a considerable strain which affects many aspects of life. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and coping strategies of patients with chronic low back pain. A strategic sample of 22 patients with chronic low back pain were interviewed according to a semistructured qualitative method: 14 women and eight men, with a mean age of 46 and a mean duration of illness of 15 years. 18 had been treated with low back surgery. All patients had pain every day. 19 were never without pain. They reported disturbed sleep, irritable mood and depression; 15 had thought of suicide. They felt constantly worn out. The pain influenced their everyday life and their total situation. The lives of patients with intermittent daily pain were less affected. The patients were asked what advice they would give to others in a similar situation. Their main point was not to give up, to focus less on the pain and the limitations and more on everything that could bring dedication and joy to everyday life.