Exploring the experiences of partners who live with a chronic low back pain sufferer

Abstract

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a condition that causes individuals considerable distress. It also presents a significant challenge to the health service and is often viewed by clinicians as frustrating to manage. The purpose of the present paper is to explore the experiences of individuals in the immediate social sphere of those suffering from CLBP and their role in care-giving for their partner. An approach was taken using two qualitative research methods to gather data: journals and focus groups. Findings from the journals and the focus groups revealed issues for partners of CLBP sufferers in relation to living with their partners' pain, perceptions of healthcare and the dominance of illness over social contacts. Key themes revealed the complex emotions experienced by respondents, and underlined the need for their role as care givers and partners to be acknowledged by healthcare professionals. The data also highlighted respondents' desire to have greater involvement in their partners' healthcare, which includes provision of relevant information and involvement with therapeutic interventions. The findings emphasise the need for healthcare professionals to include and acknowledge partners and others in the immediate social sphere of patients in the management of chronic conditions.

Experiences of chronic low back pain: a meta-ethnography of qualitative research

“…For instance, although certain studies referred to genderised phenomena, such as men feeling guilty for being inactive (e.g., Ashby et al, 2010;Smith & Osborn, 2007;Tavafian et al, 2008), gender identity has not been a focal point for analysing and interpreting interviews. Similarly, family was prominent in Health Psychology Review 77 sufferers' accounts but not developed into full-scale explorations of parenting, family coping, relationship issues, communication, or sexuality (Miller & Timson, 2004). A third area for future research is to study dynamism and temporality as a distinct component of the CLBP experience (Busch, 2005).…”

Relationship adjustment and dyadic interaction in couples with sexual pain disorders: a critical review of the literature

“…The main difference in research methodologies for sexual pain disorders and chronic pain conditions is that the latter has mostly been investigated within the context of partner support and dyadic interactional patterns rather than global questions on relationship satisfaction. In the chronic pain literature, it has been consistently reported that the demands on the partner for increased emotional support can strain the relationship (Miller & Timson, 2004;Schwartz et al, 1996) and can directly impact the well being of the chronic pain sufferer (Papas et al, 2001). As a result, profound changes in relationships can take place when pain becomes chronic and recovery is uncertain (Miller & Timson, 2004;Williamson et al, 1997).…”

“…In the chronic pain literature, it has been consistently reported that the demands on the partner for increased emotional support can strain the relationship (Miller & Timson, 2004;Schwartz et al, 1996) and can directly impact the well being of the chronic pain sufferer (Papas et al, 2001). As a result, profound changes in relationships can take place when pain becomes chronic and recovery is uncertain (Miller & Timson, 2004;Williamson et al, 1997). Researchers in the chronic pain domain have identified asymptomatic partner response styles that are likely to affect relationship adjustment and ultimately become a source of pain maintenance and/or exacerbation.…”

Vie personnelle, conjugale et familiale des conjoints vivant avec un partenaire présentant plusieurs problèmes de santé chroniques /

“…Malgré cela, les conjoints font état de visites moins fréquentes chez leur médecin de famille comparativement à la population générale; ce résultat étant tout à fait contradictoire à celui obtenu précédemment par Robinson (1989). Miller et Timson (2004) font mention, pour leur part, que les conjoints ressentent indirectement certains symptômes physiques à travers leur partenaire et qu'ils sont en mesure de les contrôler. Ils soulignent également la présence de lassitude, d'agitation, de ressentiment ainsi que des abus verbaux de la part du partenaire, cela menant éventuellement à un stress psychologique.…”

“…En ce qui a trait plus spécifiquement à la vie familiale, Miller et Timson (2004) ainsi que les responsabilités, incluant ceux généralement associés au genre. Certains auteurs rapportent également que la flexibilité est requise à l'intérieur de la famille afin de s'adapter aux changements, puisque le patient fait face à une détérioration de ses capacités ainsi qu'à une augmentation de ses besoins de soutien (Bostrõm, & Ahlstrõm, 2004).…”