Does diabetes influence the probability of experiencing chronic low back pain? A population-based cohort study: the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study

Abstract

ObjectiveLow back pain (LBP) is a major problem in modern society and it is important to study possible risk factors for this disorder. People with diabetes are often affected by LBP, but whether diabetes represents a risk factor for LBP has not been studied in detail. The aim of this study was to explore the association between diabetes and subsequent risk of chronic LBP.DesignAn 11-year follow-up study.SettingThe Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT2; 1995–1997) and HUNT3 (2006–2008) surveys of Nord-Trøndelag County in Norway.Main outcome measureChronic LBP, defined as LBP persisting at least 3 months continuously during the last year.ParticipantsA total of 18 972 persons without chronic LBP at baseline in HUNT2, and 6802 persons who reported chronic LBP at baseline in HUNT2.MethodsAssociations between diabetes and risk of chronic LBP among individuals aged 30–69 years were examined by generalised linear modelling.ResultsMen without chronic LBP at baseline showed a significant association between diabetes and risk of chronic LBP (relative risk (RR) 1.43, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.96, p=0.043). In women, no association was found (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.48, p=0.98). No association could be established between diabetes and recurrence or persistence of chronic LBP after 11 years in either sex.ConclusionsMen with a diagnosis of diabetes may have a higher risk of subsequently experiencing chronic LBP.

Prognostic factors for pain chronicity in low back pain: a systematic review

“…Nine of the studies (36%) used the same population data from HUNT studies. 46 , 57 – 63 , 97 The results that were only observed from HUNT studies were body height 60 and measures, 59 diabetes, 57 blood pressure, 46 , 62 and pulse pressure. 62 However, the risk of bias in this particular study population can be assessed as low because of the large sample size and long follow-up period.…”

Is There an Association between Diabetes and Neck and Back Pain? Results of a Case-Control Study

“…Pathoanatomical changes of the spine have been linked as a consequence of the hyperglycemia and altered fat metabolism commonly present in diabetes [ 25 , 26 , 27 ], and changes in health style and diet habits associated with chronic pain can lead to type 2 diabetes [ 28 , 29 ]. In fact, current literature tends to support the hypothesis that these conditions share common risk factors, such as obesity and less physical activity, instead of a causal relationship, as no causality could be determined in the longitudinal studies previously conducted [ 10 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”

Association between type 2 diabetes and chronic low back pain in general practices in Germany

“…13 In terms of chronic physical conditions, an increasing body of research has investigated the relationship between diabetes and back pain, but there are some discrepancies in the results of these studies. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21] For example, a Spanish case-control study including 4190 individuals with and without diabetes revealed that CLBP and chronic neck pain were more common in people with diabetes. 20 By contrast, another cross-sectional study, using data pertaining…”