Relationship between healthcare seeking and pain expansion in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain

Abstract

Objectives Low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent musculoskeletal problem, which implies a high rate of chronicity. The chronicity of symptoms can lead to pain expansion. The main objective of this study was to assess whether there were differences between patients with nonspecific chronic LBP (CLBP) who sought healthcare compared to those who did not in terms of pain expansion. Methods Ninety individuals participated in the study and were divided into three groups: 30 patients who sought care; 30 patients who did not seek care; and 30 asymptomatic individuals. The primary variable analyzed was pain expansion. Secondary physical and psychological variables were assessed later, and a regression analysis was performed. Results Patients who sought help showed significant differences in pain expansion and pain intensity compared with the group who did not seek help, with a medium effect size (0.50–0.79). The regression model for the care-seeking group showed that dynamic balance with the left leg and depression were predictors of percentage pain surface area (34.6%). The combination of dynamic balance, range of movement in flexoextension and depression were predictors of widespread pain (48.5%). Conclusion Patients who soughtcare presented greater pain expansion than patients whodidnot. A combination of functional and psychological variables can significantly predict pain expansion in patients with nonspecific CLBP who seek help.

Gender Mediation in Adolescents’ Back Pain and Physical Fitness: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In addition, a new finding from this study indicates that trunk flexor endurance levels are connected with the frequency of SP. Other studies have also reported on the relevance of frequency and level of pain to other variables [28]. This supports the importance of the trunk flexor endurance on SP.…”

Correct Sciatic Nerve Management to Apply Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Neuromodulation in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study

“…The inclusion criteria were: 1) to have had LBP for at least the prior six months (28); 2) LBP of a nonspecific nature (28); 3) to be aged 18–65 years (29); 4) to suffer pain intensity of between 3 and 10 on the visual analogue scale (30); and 5) to have one hip with limited active internal rotation, measured by goniometer (31). The exclusion criteria were: 1) to have peripheral pain (like a sciatic pain); 2) the presence of neurological signs or muscular dystrophy, systemic rheumatic disease or central nervous system disease (32); 3) electrophysiological findings referable to another peripheral nerve; 4) any previous surgery or acute trauma in the trunk or lower extremity; 5) commonly accepted contraindications to invasive physical therapy techniques (21); 6) any contraindications to needling per se (21); and 7) epilepsy.…”

Differences in dynamic and postural stability based on degree of disability in patients with nonspecific chronic lower back pain: an observational study

“…Based on the evidence and our results, we suggest that selfefficacy is a determinant in terms of the disability perceived by these patients (Woby et al, 2007;de Moraes Vieira et al, 2014). In terms of kinesiophobia, studies have shown that fear of movement is one of the most influential psychological factors in terms of disability in patients with chronic pain (Sullivan et al, 2009;Grande-Alonso et al, 2020;Nieto-García et al, 2019). In support of our results, Sullivan et al reported that patients with CLBP who have greater kinesiophobia have a greater perception of pain than patients with CLBP who do not have kinesiophobia (Sullivan et al, 2009).…”