Theme 5: changing outlook
Some participants described changing outlooks after accepting they are unlikely to get an
acceptable diagnosis, and that they might not improve in-line with initial expectations. Those
managing to adapt and change their outlook, appeared more able to cope [67,70]. Identified
sub-themes comprised searching for a diagnosis, psychological and emotional experiences,
and adaptation and acceptance.
Second diagnoses that differed from initial diagnoses gave rise to anger and confusion,
especially if previous explanations had implied a psychosomatic origin [28,61]. Those who
had received a diagnosis appeared more empowered to accept their back pain, and to adapt to
the predicament more readily; especially if the diagnosis was in the form of radiographic
evidence [28,61]. Some doubt the validity of diagnosis