Bothered by Back Pain

When is a problem really a problem? When it affects others or just when it bothers you? This study looks at problems faced by patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). Researchers in England used a survey from Canada to find out what bothered 110 patients with CLBP.

Using the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), patients were asked to find the five activities that cause the most problems for them. Then they rated their ability to do each of those activities. Finally, they scored how happy they were with their performance.

The COPM is made for workers with chronic pain. It helps patients identify areas of problems with activities such as self-care, productivity, and leisure. About half the patients said decreased walking was their number one problem. Decreased walking was defined as the ability to walk less than five minutes.

Other problems included pain with sitting, sleeping, or heavy chores. Activities with children, work, driving, and gardening were problems for other patients. A small number of patients reported bending, lifting, and dressing as major problems.

The authors conclude the COPM is a useful tool for helping patients identify problems. Pain management can be aimed at improving function in those areas. The COPM can also be used to measure change after treatment.