Representations of Symptom History in Women with Fibromyalgia vs Chronic Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

The narratives of patients with FM expressed high psychological loads and dramatic connotations and emphasized legitimacy issues. In contrast, patients with LBP stressed overload, wear and tear, and treatment inefficacy. The combination of chronicity and lack of specificity may render FM and LBP prone to raise skepticism in the therapists. Investigating and discussing patients' perceptions allows overcoming the apparent uniformity of patients' complaints. It contributes defining realistic and shared treatment goals and help therapists cope with pain chronicity.