Psychological factors in the long-term prognosis of chronic low back pain patients

This study appraised the significance of psychological factors in the long-term prognosis of patients with chronic low back pain (LBP). The MMPI ratings of 80 long-term sick-listed LBP patients were set in relation to their disability pension status 6 to 12 years later. The number of elevated scales, in combination with the level of certain scales (HS and HY), proved to be a better predictor than profile patterns, advocated in some studies. Moreover, in a review of prognostic studies, the HS and HY scales appeared most frequently as significant predictors. That result also was confirmed in this study of long-term prediction of overall functional level. The results are discussed in relation to the concepts of pain-fear and sick role.