'Why can't they do anything for a simple back problem?' A qualitative examination of expectations for low back pain treatment and outcome.

In order to examine expectations for pain treatment and outcome and to determine whether they are influential in maintaining health service consumption 16 adults suffering from chronic pain were interviewed. Transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis. The six main themes to emerge were labelled: Unmet Expectations; Health Professionals; the Importance of Self; Getting Something Done; Back to Square One; and Perceptions of the Future with Ruminations on the Past. Participants revealed considerable agency as they continued in a quest to engage and re-engage with the gatekeepers of health care facilities. The implications for pain management providers are discussed.