OBJECTIVE: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore experiences of sick-listed persons of not returning to work during a six-year period after participation in an extensive multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme.

PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised ten participants with musculoskeletal disorders, mainly neck and back pain.

METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed by manifest content analysis.

RESULTS: This led to identification of three primary categories and six sub-categories, which described the participants' experiences of barriers to and possibilities of returning to work, and indicated what strategies they used to cope with everyday life. The participants described that the main barriers to returning to work were pain and somatic symptoms, fatigue, and not fulfilling the work requirements. Participants considered physical activity a key factor in coping with pain. Most participants thought that they had residual work ability, and could utilise this if they could get a modified job adapted to their own capacity.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights the importance of utilising residual working ability at workplaces. Finding flexible work possibilities requires an understanding and supportive attitude on the part of both the employer and the social insurance office.