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Psychological factors in disabling low back pain: causes or consequences?
M J Simmonds1, S Kumar, E Lechelt
1School of Physical Therapy, Texas Woman's University, Houston 77030, USA.
Disability and Rehabilitation
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Low back pain (LBP) significantly impacts individuals and families, often leading to disability. Psychosocial factors and health beliefs influence LBP outcomes, with distress potentially worsening pain and disability.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent and costly condition with variable individual impact.
- The role of psychosocial factors in LBP disability, whether as causes or consequences, remains debated.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for managing LBP effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review psychosocial factors associated with disabling low back pain (LBP).
- To examine whether these psychosocial factors are causes or consequences of LBP disability.
- To discuss the influence of health practitioners on pain-related disability.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of psychosocial factors linked to disabling LBP.
- Analysis of the causal relationship between psychosocial factors and LBP disability.
- Examination of the impact of health beliefs, coping strategies, and practitioner influence.
Main Results:
- Limited evidence supports the existence of a 'pain-prone personality' in LBP.
- Health beliefs and coping strategies significantly influence the impact of LBP on individuals and families.
- Distress appears secondary to physical restriction but can exacerbate pain and disability.
Conclusions:
- Psychosocial factors are influenced by, and can influence, LBP disability rather than being solely causative.
- Health beliefs and coping mechanisms are key modulators of LBP experience.
- Health practitioners play a role in managing pain-related disability and should consider psychosocial aspects.