Ilness Perception and Complementary Therapy Use of Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

Aim: The study was conducted as a descriptive and cross-sectional study to examine the complementary therapy methods used by individuals with chronic low back pain and their perceptions of the disease. Material and Method: The study was carried out with 49 individuals who voluntarily participated in the study and were undergoing treatment in Tokat State Hospital in September- October 2009. Data was collected by using the questionnaire developed by researchers and the Disease Perception Questionnaire. Study data was analyzed with number, average and standard deviation, percentage, and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. Findings: Of the patients, 65.3% described having pain around neck and back in addition to low back and they indicated that the first starting time of their pain was 1-5 years before (42.9%). They reported that their current pain was at a level of limiting daily living activities (67.3%) and all of them stated that they were using complementary therapy methods. The most commonly used complementary methods were determined as taking hot spring (73.5%), having massage (71.4%), using herbal therapy (61.2%) and praying (59.2%). Participants reported mostly experiencing symptoms of pain (100%), weakness (83.7%), fatigue (65.3%) during the process of the disease. When patients’ perceptions of disease were examined, it was determined that average scores of perception of emotional representations, personal control, perception of duration (acute/chronic) and perception of adverse consequences were higher than other sub-dimensions. Average score of the perception of awareness for the disease was determined as the lowest score. Conclusion: It was determined that patients perceived emotional symptoms intensively, believed that they had a chronic disease, and stres-anxiety and heredity were the causes of the disease.