Characterization of biopsychosocial factors of patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Low back pain is considered a public health problem worldwide and has a personal, social, occupational and economic impact. Psychosocial signs such as inappropriate beliefs about pain, fear of movement, anxiety, stress, depression and low job satisfaction are characteristics of individuals with low back pain. These clinical signs are mediators of chronic pain and disability. The present study aimed to assess psychological comorbidities in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain who are undergoing physical therapy and patients awaiting physical therapy; in addition to characterizing the psychosocial profile of these individuals.

METHODS:

This research was carried out with 31 individuals recruited from physical therapy clinics in the region of greater Florianópolis. They were divided into two groups: Treatment (TG) and non-treatment (CG). The following self-report instruments were applied: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Health Status Questionnaire (SF-36V2), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (OLBPDI), Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire (FABQ) and Pain Castatrophizing Scale (PCS).

RESULTS:

Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in the scores of the instruments applied between the groups. The CG had higher averages than the GT.

CONCLUSION:

The results obtained in this study support previous findings about the benefits of physical therapy for individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain, suggesting that, in addition to reducing pain and disability, there are benefits related to psychosocial factors.

Keywords:
Anxiety; Catastrophization; Physical therapy modalities; Low back pain; Quality of life