Effects of lumbar discectomy on disability and depression in patients with chronic low back pain

Abstract

Background:Back pain is one of the most prevalent health problems for which physicians are consulted. Back pain has many economic impacts, such as sickness absences and long-term disability. The prevalence of major depression in patients with chronic low back pain is approximately 3 to 4 times greater than the prevalence rate reported in the general population.Objectives:This study was designed to evaluate the depression and disability improvement after lumbar discectomy compared with presurgery levels in patients with chronic low back pain and radicular leg pain.Patients and Methods:One hundred forty-eight patients with chronic low back pain and radicular leg pain were included in this analytic observational study. The study evaluated several main variables, including age; sex; educational level; job; height; weight; and patient history of abortion, leg pain, back pain, smoking, trauma, number of previous pregnancies, driving, long-term sitting, lifting heavy bodies, and disability and depression before and 6 and 12 months after laminectomy.Results:The depression and disability scores of patients before lumbar discectomy significantly decreased after surgery.Conclusions:Our results indicate that lumbar discectomy surgery significantly improved depression and disability in patients with chronic herniated discs.

Commentary on: Effects of Lumbar Discectomy on Disability and Depression in Patients With Chronic Low-Back Pain

“…(1). The authors demonstrated the beneficial role of surgery in chronic back pain for patients with disability and depression.…”

Role of Depression After Lumbar Disc Surgery

“…The authors have concluded that the depression and disability scores of patients with chronic herniated discs before lumbar discectomy significantly decreased after surgery (2). It has long been known that patients with psychological comorbidities often incur long-term disability from low-back pain (3,4).…”

Commentary on: Effects of Lumbar Discectomy on Disability and Depression in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain

“…The answer can be found in a paper by Farzanegan et al (1) reporting the study where 148 patients with LBP and depression had laminectomy procedure. This study broadens an understanding of the need to improve the patient-oriented assessment of spinal surgery outcomes, especially in the range of function state and depressive symptoms.…”