Randomised controlled trial to compare surgical stabilisation of the lumbar spine with an intensive rehabilitation programme for patients with chronic low back pain: the MRC spine stabilisation trial

Randomised control trials in the clinical setting, as with this
study, relate to patient populations rather than individuals. Qualitative
research on the other hand aims to represent the actual experiences of
individuals. It is the attention to both types of research that best
serves the interests of patients.

Competing interests:
None declared