Divided by a lack of common language? - a qualitative study exploring the use of language by health professionals treating back pain

Table 3 summarising the responses of members of the public to terms discussed in the focus groups.

Speaking a different language - terms that could lead to problematic misunderstandings	Speaking a different language - terms with unintended meanings but few negative repercussions	Speaking a common language - terms which the public appeared to understand as intended
Acute	(low) back pain/ache	Muscle spasm
Chronic	Mechanical back pain/ache	Sensation
Recurrent	Muscle sprain	Manipulation
Muscle Weakness	Muscle strain	Mobilisation
Instability	Sciatica	Soft tissue technique
Non-specific back pain	Radiated	Rehabilitation
Neurological involvement	Muscle imbalance
Trapped nerve	Nerve root pain
Paraesthesia	Disc - prolapsed, slipped,
Managing your back pain	Herniated, ruptured
Coping	Facet Joint
Psychological pain	Alignment
Wear and Tear	Posture
Arthritis	Spondylitis
Exercise	Stenosis
Activity
Disability

ISSN: 1471-2474