1. The lived-through experiences of persistent spinally referred leg pain: A phenomenological descriptive study
Johan Holte, Dr Colette Ridehalgh, Dr Pirjo Vuoskoski
School of Health Sciences
University of Brighton
Purpose
To explore the lived experiences of spinally referred persistent leg pain, attempting to clarify the phenomenon of interest from a physiotherapeutic perspective.  
Methods
The method used in this qualitative study is based on the phenomenological philosophy of Edmund Husserl, and Giorgi’s (2009) modification of his phenomenological method. The purpose is to describe the essence of the phenomenon as a general structure, by adopting the phenomenological attitude and reduction, and the use of conscious acts. Data was obtained through individual, face to face, in-depth interviews.  Four participants were asked to describe their concrete experiences of spinally referred leg pain, in as much detail as possible.
Results
Doubt about future
Acceptance
Hope & expectation
Diagnostic uncertainty
Determination
Reliance on others
Emotional engagement
Interferes with life
Pain
Diagram 1: Interrelated constituents of the lived through experiences of spinally referred leg pain
Discussion
Based on the preliminary results, the most ‘foundational’ meaning constituent seems to be the ‘persistence’ of the leg pain, which is lived and expressed in individually, varied ways.
The main result of the study revealed the individual and varied ways in which participants experienced their persistent radicular leg pain.  The essential meaning structure of the persistent radicular leg pain experience, and the key constituents and their relationships within that structure will be discussed in more detail in the conference presentation
Implications
The study has significant implications for obtaining new knowledge and phenomenological insights, and a more in-depth understanding of the ‘persistence’ of the radicular leg pain, as a lived-through experience.  Clinicians may gain an appreciation of the varied ways in which participants experience persistent radicular leg pain enabling them to empathise with their patients and help them understand that having persistent radicular leg pain is an (embodied) experience rather than just a set of symptoms.  
Contact details
Ethical approval for the study was granted by Brighton University, Research Ethics and Governance Committee
For further information about this study please contact Johan Holte: