The perceptions of people with low back pain treated in the Spanish National Health, and their experience while undergoing a new evidence-based treatment. A focus group study

AbstractPurpose: To explore the perceptions of people with low back pain (LBP) treated within the Spanish National Health Service, and their experience while undergoing a new evidence-based treatment (“neuroreflexotherapy”). Methods: A focus group (FG) study was conducted. Participants were divided into five groups according to whether they: suffered from subacute versus chronic LBP; had undergone one versus several neuroreflexotherapy procedures; showed a clinically relevant improvement in pain and disability according to validated measuring instruments, and reported it. Thirty-two patients were selected by purposive sampling. Content analysis was undertaken by two researchers who had no contact with the clinicians. Results: Subacute and chronic LBP curtails daily activities, reduces quality of life (QoL) and self-esteem, and is experienced as a stigma. Patients want to be treated with respect and empathy by clinicians who refrain from judging them. New treatments trigger hope, but also fear and mistrust...