My father has been complaining of back pain off and on for several years now. He’s quite dramatic sometimes and I feel that if he would stop dwelling on the pain, he would be able to do more. He says I don’t believe him. Can his attitude be hurting him?

Back pain is a very common complaint in our society. Doctors estimate that up to 80 percent of us will complain of back pain at some point in our life. Many people also will continue to experience back pain as it comes and goes.

Research has shown that how we feel about nonspecific back pain, that is pain without a specific cause or damage to the back, can affect how badly and how long we feel the pain. For example, some people catastrophize their pain – they make everything seem worse than it might be. Others have pain expectations, “If I do this, it will make my back hurt more.” This can extend to how you feel about the pain. If you feel helpless at controlling it, it will be harder to control, for example.

So, both of you may have a point. Your father has pain, but his attitude may be keeping him from relieving the pain somewhat.