Coping Strategies in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

Abstract

We studied coping strategies, using the WCCL-R in a sample of paticnts with chronic Iow back pain. We also evaluated pain (EVA and Pain Drawing), disability (SIP) and depressive symptoms. Nonspecific chronic Iow back pain paticnts (CLBP) reported more avoidance and self-blame coping, instead ofproblem solving strategies. They prefer these strategies either to cope with their back pain or with Other relevant problems. These patients differ in this respect from patients with specific back pathologies, however both groups reported the same pain intensity and disability related to back symptoms. A higher number of depressive symptoms in the CLBP group was confirmed. The findings indicate the importance of coping processes in psychological interventions with chronic Iow back patients and suggest directions for future research.