Are the "myths" of low back pain alive in the general Norwegian population?

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the perception of low back pain care and consequences according to what Dey corresponding to Deyo's myths, were included in an opinion poll (telephone interviews) of a representative sample (n = 1015) of the Norwegian population. Results: In total, 41%...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Scandinavian journal of public health 2003, Vol.31 (5), p.395-398
Main Authors: Ihlebæk, Camilla, Eriksen, Hege R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Attitude to Health
Biological and medical sciences
Diseases of the osteoarticular system
Diseases of the spine
Education
Educational Status
Female
Humans
Knowledge
Low back pain
Low Back Pain - etiology
Low Back Pain - psychology
Low Back Pain - therapy
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Norway
Public Opinion
SHORT COMMUNICATION
Social Class
Socioeconomic status
Telephone
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the perception of low back pain care and consequences according to what Dey corresponding to Deyo's myths, were included in an opinion poll (telephone interviews) of a representative sample (n = 1015) of the Norwegian population. Results: In total, 41% of the population held that 'If you have a slipped disc you must have surgery'. Approximately 50% believed that 'X-ray and newer imaging tests can always identify the cause of pain' and 'Most back pain is caused by injury and heavy lifting'. Almost 60% agreed that 'Everyone with back pain should have a spine X-ray'. However, only one-quarter believed that 'If your back hurts, you should take it easy until the pain goes away', and approximately one-fifth believed that 'Back pain is usually disabling'. Only 12% believed that 'Bed rest is the mainstay of therapy'. More individuals in the lower- compared with the higher-educated groups believed in the myths. Conclusion: Information concerning current knowledge on healthcare and health consequences of low back pain had reached only a small part of the general population. The most important factor for lack of knowledge was education. Developing effective methods to promote adequate self-care and treatment and reduce the risk of chronicity of low back pain in the lowereducated groups should be a top priority.
ISSN:1403-4948
1651-1905
DOI:10.1080/14034940210165163