Table I.

Illustration of steps in the coding process.

Interview text	Subcategory	Category	Core category
… “It felt good, it was as though someone wanted to tackle it. Yeah, it feels like someone cares. That you're taken seriously. Like someone is listening to your problems and all.”	Professional support; being aware of inherent capabilities; trust and hope	Coaching from the physiotherapist	Mobilizing own resources
…“I was paralyzed by the pain and really needed to know what was wrong. So I went to the school nurse.”	Information from the school nurse; information from the physiotherapist; insight and reorientation	Seeking for information
… “You feel you've gotten stronger and capable of doing more exercises and all that, like pushing yourself a little harder.”	Exercises provide structure; gaining energy from treatment; gaining confidence in exercises	Compliance with physiotherapy
… “I feel I'm on a good path. Like my back can handle more and I feel stronger. Really nice. It feels like I'm back.”	Handling pain; ability to achieve change; distraction by recovery	Gaining energy from pain-free moments