What If It Hurts?:Physical Activity Before and After Back Surgery. A Qualitative Study

To explore and comprehend the varied experiences related to physical activity in patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion. Design: A qualitative study performed from a subtle realist position. 19 participants ≥18 years with chronic low back pain going through a lumbar spinal fusion were interviewed. Empirical data were analysed using the Template Analysis approach. <br/>Results: Five themes emerged during the analysis, all reflecting the complexity of physical activity: 1. Consequences of physical activity – placing hopes in surgery; 2. The first steps after surgery; 3. Reestablishment of physical activity after surgery; 4. Contrasts in the reestablishment of physical activity; and 5. Balancing physical activity and social life after surgery. <br/>Conclusion: Our research highlights the critical early phase after lumbar spinal fusion, where participants express frailty, insecurity, and worries about physical activity. The study underscores an unmet need for early guidance and support regarding physical activity after lumbar spinal fusion. Further, the participants express a strong desire to be included as equal partners in the planning of their active rehabilitation process, reflecting a need for a more collaborative and patient-centred approach to care.