Association between Prior Pain Intensity, Back Function and The Characteristics of Episodes in Patients with Low Back Pain

Abstract

There is little information about causes of recurrence and why low back pain (LBP) transit to recurrent LBP. The aim of this study was to identfy the recurrence proportion of LBP, and the relation between baseline pain intensity, back function and the number, duration and mean pain intensity of subsequent episodes in patients with recurrent LBP. Four hundred and sixty-four patients were included in this study. The mean age of the participants was 38.70 ± 13.10 (ranges from 20 to 65 years). Demographic data were recorded. Prior pain intensity (VAS), back function (FBPS) and subsequent pain episodes (pain diary) were assessed at baseline and over 6 months. Recurrence proportion of LBP was 39.2% during 6-month follow-up. Baseline pain intensity and back function were significantly different in patients with recurrent LBP compared to patients without recurrent LBP ( p <0.001) . Baseline VAS score was found positively related with the number of episodes (r=0.544, p0.001), the mean duration of episodes (r=0.381, p0.001), the mean pain intensity at episodes (r=0.779, p0.001). Baseline FBPS score was negatively correlated with the number of episodes (r=-0.380, p<0.001), the duration of pain episodes (r=-0.287, p<0.001) and the mean pain intensity at episodes (r=-0.520, p<0.001). Patients with recurrent back pain had higher pain intensity and lower back function prior to the pain attacks. Prior pain intensity and back function were related with the number and duration of episodes and mean pain intensity at episodes.

Keywords

• functional status
• recurrence
• risk factors.
• Association

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