Back problems in Parkinson's disease: an underestimated problem

Cross-sectional survey.

To estimate the extent of back pain in Parkinson's disease (PD).

PD is a common and disabling condition during the course of which back pain may develop. In contrast, the literature on the epidemiology of back pain in PD is poor.

Patients with PD, seen consecutively in a neurology clinic over a period of 4 months, were inquired about back pain through a self-questionnaire and compared to an age- and sex-matched control group of chronically ill patients.

The study involved 104 parkinsonians (mean age: 67.3 years) who had had PD for an average of 11.6 years, and 100 controls (mean age: 65.8 years) who had chronic heart disease or diabetes for an average of 14.2 years. Sixty-two parkinsonians and 23 controls reported back pain. The prevalence was 59.6% in the parkinsonian group and 23.0% in the control group (P < 0.0001). Pain severity was evaluated with a visual analogic scale and averaged 54 +/- 23 mm in parkinsonians and 41 +/- 19 mm in control (P < 0.0001).

Chronic back pain is quite common in PD. It is responsible for a substantial functional impact and needs more attention to reduce disability of such patients.