Central sensitisation in chronic low back pain: A cross-sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Pain Research
• Clinical Neuroscience
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Central sensitisation (CS) is a significant mechanism underlying chronic low back pain (CLBP).
• Demographic, metabolic, and psychological factors are known to influence CS.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for effective CLBP management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between central sensitisation (CS) and various factors in individuals with chronic low back pain (CLBP).
• To evaluate associations with age, gender, body mass index (BMI), vitamin D levels, psychological distress, and pain intensity.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional observational study conducted between January and December 2023.
• Inclusion criteria: adults (≥18 years) with CLBP (≥3 months).
• Assessments included the Central Sensitisation Inventory (CSI), demographic data, BMI, vitamin D levels, and psychological questionnaires. Statistical analyses involved non-parametric tests and Spearman's correlation.

Main Results:

• Females exhibited significantly higher CSI scores than males (P < 0.001).
• CSI scores varied significantly across age groups (P = 0.024), with the highest in those under 20.
• Weak correlations were found between CSI and BMI (positive, ρ = 0.182, P = 0.036) and vitamin D levels (negative, ρ = -0.181, P = 0.038).
• No significant associations were observed between CSI scores and anxiety, depression, kinesiophobia, or pain intensity.

Conclusions:

• Central sensitisation in CLBP is associated with demographic factors (age, gender) and metabolic indicators (BMI, vitamin D).
• Psychological distress and pain intensity did not show significant associations with CS in this cohort.
• Findings underscore the need for personalized, multidimensional pain assessment and management strategies for CLBP.