Symptoms of Depression and Risk of Low Back Pain

Abstract

The magnitude of the association between depression and LBP seems to be small and may be confounded by genetic and early shared environment influences, although firm conclusions could not be made due to small sample size in the case-control analysis. In addition, the observed association is dependent on the method of assessment used for both conditions.

Genetic and environmental influences to low back pain and symptoms of depression and anxiety: A population-based twin study

“…This should be considered when interpreting the results of this study, given that genetic influence is higher for more disabling and chronic types of low back pain (Ferreira et al, 2013). Similarly, we assessed symptoms of depression and anxiety, rather than depression diagnosed by a health professional or a specific questionnaire, and previous studies have shown that the definition and measurement method used for assessing depression impact on its relationship with low back pain (Pinheiro et al, 2015b, Pinheiro et al, 2016.…”

“…In light of the moderate to large effects of genetic factors on low back pain (Ferreira et al, 2013) and depression (Sullivan et al, 2000), our research group has recently investigated the relationship between low back pain and symptoms of depression and anxiety while accounting for genetic and environmental factors by employing a co-twin case-control design (Pinheiro et al, 2015a, Pinheiro et al, 2016. The findings from…”

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms are Associated With Incident Chronic Back Pain

“…52 To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal co-twin control study to show a significant association between a psychological risk factor and incident back pain in sizes. 22,23 Another potential limitation of the longitudinal co-twin control design using binary outcomes is the typical practice of restricting the baseline sample to twin pairs where both co-twins do not have the outcome at baseline, as was done in our study.…”

If Depression may be Associated with Future Care Seeking of Activity-limiting Low Back Pain, We Must Properly Address the Depression as Well

“…[ 1 2 ] Pinheiro et al . in their follow-up study, “Symptoms of Depression and Risk of LBP: A Prospective Co-Twin Study,[ 3 ]” attempted to investigate whether symptoms of depression increase the risk of chronic LBP with the use of a prospective study design, but with the important adjustment for important confounders including genetic factors, thus the utilization and inclusion of twins.…”

“…Although their results did not suggest a possible causal link between depression and LBP (given that no association was found, when genetic and early environmental factors are controlled for), their study did in fact find a significant association between trait depression and future care seeking and activity-limiting LBP. [ 3 ] Now, for providers in training and those already practicing, this is an important point to take notice of.…”