Abstract:
The perplexing condition of chronic pain, particularly low back pain, is
the catalyst for interest in this research project. It is specifically focused on
treatment trajectories of individuals experiencing chronic low back pain. The
predominant interest is the utilization of alternative treatments and that of
mainstream medicine (also referred to as western medicine) within Australia's
medical system. Ten individuals experiencing chronic low back pain, each
over the age of 18, and residing in the Sydney area, voluntarily comprise the
study population. Research consisted primarily of a semi-structured, in-depth
interview with each participant and a second interview of the same type with
four of the ten participants. Data was analyzed, compared across the
population, and revealed patterns in successful management and treatment of
chronic low back pain, which includes an element of consistent exercise and
mobilization, whether it be stretching or low impact strengthening and
massage. While chronic low back pain deserves increased preventative
measures, many individuals living with and experiencing this form of pain
have discovered ways to manage, decrease, and eliminate the presence of
chronic low back pain. For most of this population, this means utilizing a
combination of treatments, predominantly alternative.
