Psychosocial and occupational impact of chronic low back pain

The significant psychosocial and occupational impact of low back pain is a risk factor for chronicization but remains difficult to be evaluated.

A cross-sectional study of acute and chronic low back pain patients managed by 1282 physicians was conducted using an 85-item questionnaire. Most items were composed of multiple or binary clauses. A semi quantitative six-point scale was used to evaluate effects of the pain on family and personal life. A total of 2741 completed questionnaires were sent in. The present study was conducted on the 1072 questionnaires completed for "active" (as opposed to retired) patients with chronic low back pain. Mean age was 44 years.

As compared to the general population, there were fewer blue-collar workers, executives, and skilled professionals and more intermediate professions (34% versus 19% according to an INSEE survey, p < 0.001). Twelve per cent of patients were able either to change jobs or to find lighter duties in their current job, but a similar proportion were completely incapacitated or awaiting a job modification. Significant negative effects on everyday life were reported by 80% of patients, on emotional life by 58%, and on sexual activity by 46%. Most patients had reduced their leisure and household activities. Psychological disorders were noted in 75% of patients. On the day of the visit, two-thirds of patients were given a prescription for analgesics, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, and/or muscle relaxants, whereas only 34% received advice regarding their diet and life style and only 4% were sent to a back school. Despite significant effects on everyday and personal experiences associated with an increased risk of chronicization, treatments given to low back pain patients consist mainly of symptomatic medication.