Background: Chronic back pain (constantly in pain for three months or experiencing periods of pain during six months) is a big problem in our society. It causes suffering and is expensive for the individual. It is in the nurses' competence area and responsibility to relieve suffering.

Aim: Highlight individual's experiences of living with chronic back pain. Method: A literature based study based on ten qualitative studies.

Results: To experience doubt from your surroundings is a common phenomenon. It is of great importance to legitimise the pain, both for the sake of the individual and for their loved ones. The surroundings of the individual are also affected in other ways, such as changed roles within the family and an increased stress on their loves ones. The pain is constantly present and unpredictable. It affects the individual's self image and major parts of their life. Conclusion: Chronic back pain causes suffering for the individual, and the life quality impairs. Mainly because of the disability the pain brings, as the patient no longer can participate in the activities and chores, which earlier were a big part of the individual's life and self.