Why Do People Seek Medical Advice for Back Pain

Respondents with back pain who had answered affirmatively to the question about back pain in a population study were divided into two groups depending on whether they had consulted or had not consulted a physician due to their back pain. There were 17 nonconsulters and 37 consulters. The subjects participated in a stringent physical examination and in the following psychological tests: the Eysenck Personality Inventory (EPI), the rod and frame test (RFT), and the metacontrast technique (MCT). They also answered a pain questionnaire. Based on the results, we found that the nonconsulters differed from the consulters on many issues but had nevertheless rated their constant level of pain on two different occasions as being equally severe on a graphic rating scale (GRS). The groups differed as follows: The nonconsulters rated their work to be more stressful; had less frequently a spouse suffering or having suffered from chronic pain; had fewer abnormal pain drawings; woke up less frequently during the night; used sleeping pills less frequently; participated more often in sports; and had a higher frequency of repression on the MCT compared to a group of painless subjects.