[Multidimensional analysis of low back pain patients: A cross-sectional study]

Low back pain is a prevalent condition affecting 7% of the global population and 80% of adults. In Argentina, inadequate management and excessive referrals to orthopedic specialists create clinical and economic challenges. This study describes the main causes of low back pain, the prevalence of psychopathological disorders, and their impact on pain perception.

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 945 patients referred to a specialized pain unit at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Demographic variables, clinical diagnoses, and the presence of anxiety, depression, and insomnia were collected using validated tools. Pain intensity was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and group differences were evaluated using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Pelvic girdle myofascial syndrome was the most common cause (50%), followed by lumbar facet syndrome (15%) and nociplastic pain (9%). Insomnia (33%) was the most prevalent psychopathological disorder, followed by depression (27%) and anxiety (22%). Patients with combined psychopathological comorbidities reported significantly higher pain intensity (VAS 7 [IQR 5-8] vs. 8 [IQR 6-9], p < 0.001). Most referrals originated from emergency departments (32%).

This study highlights the high prevalence of musculoskeletal causes and the impact of psychopathological disorders on low back pain. These findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that optimizes pain management and addresses both physical and psychopathological factors.