Table 1.

Main themes and subthemes identified through analysis of the data.

Work modifications: Occupational Health assistance

A service for employers rather than employees

Advice may be over-cautious

Influence may vary and may be dependent on perceived causation

Modifications left to manager to implement

Work modifications: assistance from employers/managers

Help depends on the individual manager

May be over-cautious in their support

Managers with experience of back pain perceived to be more sympathetic

Work modifications: patient control

Easier to modify workload if in control

The pros and cons of working for oneself

Fewer options if working alone

Colleague support