Lumbar Pain in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis and Knowledge about Physiotherapeutic Methods for Combating Pain

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intensity and frequency of low back pain (LBP) in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and patients' knowledge of physiotherapeutic methods for combating LBP.

This study included all MS patients attending consecutive follow-up visits for treatment related to MS between March and May 2023. Only current pain sensations in the lumbar spine were taken into account. The inclusion criteria were age 18-60 years, a definite diagnosis of MS according to the 2017 McDonald criteria, treatment with disease-modifying drugs (DMTs), and consent to participate in the study. This study was carried out using an original survey questionnaire and a Visual Analogue Scale. PwMS were divided into three age groups: 18-30 years, 31-50 years, and over 50 years.

Ninety PwMS (68 women and 22 men) were included in the study. The mean duration of the disease was 9.5 ± 4.9 years, and the mean EDSS was 3.5 ± 1.6. Most patients had a relapsing-remitting form of the disease. Overall, 68.9% of PwMS felt low back pain (n = 62). The relationship tested was statistically significant (p < 0.001), and the strength of the relationship was high (r_c = 0.695). The average level of low back pain among PwMS was 4.7 out of 10 on the VAS. The prevalence of LBP was higher in female patients (p < 0.001), patients with a secondary progressive form of MS (p < 0.001), and patients with a longer duration of disease (p < 0.05). The most widely used methods for treating LBP were kinesitherapy and manual therapy.

LBP is common in patients with multiple sclerosis. Female sex, a secondary progressive form of MS, and a longer duration of disease increase the risk of LBP. It is important to implement properly planned physiotherapy activities and educate patients on how to combat LBP.