Beliefs about necessity and admissibility of physical activity during lower back pain episode

The aim of the current study was to analyze opinion on activity status during back pain episode. A retrospective study was performed through a survey. The questionnaire used in the study contained sociodemographic data, pain characteristics and the Back-Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (Darlow et all, 2014). In this study only questions regarding activity participation while experiencing back pain were selected. The obtained results were compared between healthcare professionals (HCP) and non-HCP. IBM SPSSv23 was applied for the statistical analysis. Two hundred sixty-three respondents were included in the study (mean age 46.9 years, SD ± 14.1), predominantly females (80.6% vs. 19.4%). From all participants, HCP accounted for 36.9% (N=97). Almost all (non-HCP and HCP) participants agreed that it is important to see a HCP if individual has back pain – 91.0% vs. 90.7% (151/166 vs. 88/97). Both analyzed groups (non-HCP and HCP) were unsure or agreed with the statement that in the case of back pain, exercise should be avoided – 59.0% vs. 41.2% (98/166 vs. 40/97). Interestingly that a little bit more part of non-HCP group in comparsison to HCP group agreed that during back pain episode the risks of vigorous exercise outweight the benefits – 65.1% vs. 57.7% (108/166 vs. 56/97). Non-HCP and HCP groups to varying degrees were unsure or disagreed with the statement that if they have back pain, they shouldn’t try to stay active – 46.4% vs. 30.9% (77/166 vs. 30/97). Healtcare professionals’s recommendations has a fairly large impact on patient’s recovery from the back pain episode and until HCP are confident that avoidance of physical activity and resting is better than being active, patient’s pain and disability episode becomes longer. HCP should be more educated about physical activity significance in the recovery from back pain.