Backache in Greek Immigrants to Sweden: A Cultural Interpretative Approach

Abstract

Scandinavian medical methods for treating musculoskeletal pain have often proved unsuccessful with immigrant patients. This study examined the perception and meanings of back pain among Greek immigrants to Sweden to identify possible causes of this poor outcome. Fifteen Greek immigrant patients on long-term sick-leave because of backache and 21 strategi cally selected members of a Greek cultural association in Stockholm, Sweden, not on sick-leave received semi-structured interviews about backache. In addition to a content analysis, a cultural approach was used in the interpretation of the mate rial. On the whole, pain was considered as something dangerous, inevitably leading to permanent disability if the suf ferer should deliberately aggravate the pain. Persistent pain was also linked to the tendency to worry and obsess in a way that would eventually make one ill. There was little confidence in doctors' examinations and physiotherapy. The study provides a possible explanation as to why Scandinavian medical treat ment of backache is less successful in this immigrant group.