The Effects of Diagnostic Labeling on Patients’ Perceived Need for Imaging for Low Back Pain (European Journal of Pain 2022)

Non-specific low back pain (NS-LBP) is commonly diagnosed when no specific structural cause can be identified, though some controversy exists around the use of this term. As a result, clinicians often use other labels such as disc bulge, degeneration, arthritis, and lumbar strain to suggest potential structural sources of the pain. But there are concerns related to these terms: their low validity in identifying structural sources of low back pain, the degree of clinical importance of these structural findings in asymptomatic individuals, and the negative connotations that some labels may carry.

Patients want an explanation for their low back pain but there is little research into how different diagnostic labels might influence patients' needs or expectations.

To address this gap in knowledge, a study is being conducted to investigate the effects of different diagnostic labels for low back pain on patients’ perceived need for imaging and related outcomes such as willingness to undergo surgery and beliefs about recovery expectations. Results from this study will provide insight into how language used by clinicians might affect patient care decisions and patient experience.

Existing Research on the Effects of Diagnostic Labeling on Patients' Needs and Expectations

There is limited research into how different diagnostic labels for low back pain can influence patients' needs and expectations. However, there are a few studies that have investigated the effects of language used by clinicians on patient care decisions and patient experience.

One study examined how medical terminology concerning low back pain might be perceived by patients. Results indicated that the use of medical jargon had a negative effect on patients’ perceptions, as they could not understand what was being discussed. The researchers concluded that further research should be conducted to better understand how clinicians should best communicate with patients with regards to their condition in order to have a positive impact on treatment outcomes.

Another study looked at the effects of diagnostic labeling on patient beliefs about needed treatments, recovery expectations, and likelihood of surgery. Results indicated that when diagnostic labels were used to identify a structural source of pain, such as "disc bulge", patients' overall belief about necessary treatments for their low back pain increased significantly compared to those without any diagnosis given or simply labeled "low back pain". Additionally, study participants given structural diagnoses were more likely to believe they would need surgical interventions.

This research provides valuable insight into how language used by clinicians regarding low back pain may affect patient experience and care decisions. Future studies should aim to further examine this relationship in order to improve communication strategies between providers and patients with low back pain.

How West Side Chiropractic Avoids Using Medical Jargon

At West Side Chiropractic, we understand the importance of using language that is easy to understand for our patients. We strive to communicate effectively with our patients about their low back pain in order to ensure that there is no negative effect on their understanding or perceptions.

To do this, we avoid using medical jargon and technical terminology when communicating with patients. Instead, we use words which are simple and easy to comprehend so that patients can fully understand their condition. This allows us to make sure that the patient has a thorough understanding of what needs to be done in order to receive the appropriate treatment.

We believe that this approach ensures effective communication between providers and patients, allowing for accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatments, and positive outcomes for all parties.