Self-Management, Fear of Movement, and Pain in Working Adults with Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study

J Pain Res. 2026 Jan 10;19:549844. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S549844. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The present study explored the experiences of working individuals with low back pain regarding self-management, fear of movement and pain during a 12-month follow-up period after receiving either direct access (DA) or conventional physical therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data were collected through electronic questionnaires containing open-ended questions on physical therapy, fear of movement and pain. These were administered at baseline (after the initial physical therapy visit) and at 3-, 6-, and 12- month follow-ups. Participants were clients from real-life clinical settings in primary care or emergency departments. Fifteen participants completed all follow-ups; ten from DA and five from conventional physical therapy.

RESULTS: Two distinct client types emerged: the pilot, who actively engaged in recovery with support from the physical therapist, and the passenger, who adopted a more passive approach by avoiding pain-inducing activities. These types were reflected in two main categories: 1) "Understanding my pain", with three subcategories: Nature of my pain, Daily living with my pain, and Knowing the cause of my pain, and 2) "Managing my pain", with three subcategories: Ownership of my recovery, Courage to be active, and Relieving pain.

CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the individualized nature of self-management, fear of movement and pain experiences over 12 months follow-up. While personal strategies varied, guidance from physical therapist appeared instrumental in supporting the adoption of an active pilot-like role in recovery.

PMID:41858796 | PMC:PMC12998644 | DOI:10.2147/JPR.S549844