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Working with low back pain: problem-solving orientation and function.
William S Shaw1, Michael Feuerstein, Amy J Haufler
1Liberty Mutual Center for Disability Research, 71 Frankland Road, Hopkinton, MA 01748, USA Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA Department of Veteran's Affairs, Research & Development Office, 810 Vermont Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20420, USA U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, 5158 Black Hawk Road, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010, USA University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
Problem-solving approaches significantly impact low back pain (LBP) functional loss in soldiers. Positive problem-solving and active coping strategies can mitigate LBP
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is influenced by ergonomic, psychosocial, and behavioral factors.
- Individual problem-solving orientation may mediate the functional impact of LBP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between problem-solving orientation and physical/mental health outcomes in soldiers with a history of LBP.
- To identify specific problem-solving styles that exacerbate functional loss in relation to LBP.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 475 soldiers at high risk for LBP-related disability.
- Utilized the Social Problem-Solving Inventory and the Standard Form-12 (SF-12).
- Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined the relationship between LBP symptoms, problem-solving subscales, and SF-12 physical health scores.
Main Results:
- Low positive problem-solving orientation and high impulsivity/carelessness were linked to greater functional loss with LBP.
- An avoidant problem-solving approach correlated with increased functional loss in soldiers with a longer history of low-grade LBP.
Conclusions:
- Problem-solving orientation is a key factor in the functional impact of LBP among soldiers.
- Interventions promoting a proactive, problem-solving approach to LBP may improve secondary prevention and reduce prolonged functional limitations.