Experience of Pain From Patients With Non-Acute Pain After Back Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe and understand the experiences of pain and the perceptions of treatment through a traditional Korean medicine clinical trial in patients with non-acute pain after back surgery. Methods: The data collection was recorded through in-depth interviews with 20 participants and transcribed with verbatim. The data were analyzed with qualitative contents analysis. Results: Patients with persistent or recurring pain after back surgery experienced physical and psychological symptoms that resulted in severe difficulties in daily and working life. Their persistent or recurring pain after surgery was a burden in their life and a major source of depression. Because of the difference in the perception of pain between doctors and patients, the patients continuously sought and received various treatments. The patients also wanted to receive customized self-management in exercise so that they could control pain themselves in daily life. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach that includes psychological counseling, pain management, individualized exercise, and education for proper posture should be needed to reduce low back pain in patients with pain after back surgery.