The role of co-occurring insomnia and mental distress in the association between lumbar disc degeneration and low back pain related disability

BACKGROUND: Lumbar disc degeneration (LDD) is associated with low back pain (LBP). Although both insomnia and mental distress appear to influence the pain experience, their role in the association between LDD and LBP is uncertain. Our objective was to investigate the role of co-occurring insomnia and mental distress in the association between LDD and LBP-related disability. METHODS: A total of 1080 individuals who had experienced LBP during the previous year underwent 1.5-T lumbar magnetic resonance imaging, responded to questionnaires, and participated in a clinical examination at the age of 47. Full data was available for 843 individuals. The presence of LBP and LBP-related disability (numerical rating scale, range 0–10) were assessed using a questionnaire. LDD was assessed by a Pfirrmann-based sum score (range 0–15, higher values indicating higher LDD). The role of insomnia (according to the five-item Athens Insomnia Scale) and mental distress (according to the Hopkins Symptom Check List-25) in the association between the LDD sum score and LBP-related disability was analyzed using linear regression with adjustments for sex, smoking, body mass index, education, leisure-time physical activity, occupational physical exposure, Modic changes, and disc herniations. RESULTS: A positive association between LDD and LBP-related disability was observed among those with absence of both mental distress and insomnia (adjusted B = 0.132, 95% CI = 0.028–0.236, p = 0.013), and among those with either isolated mental distress (B = 0.345 CI = 0.039–0.650, p = 0.028) or isolated insomnia (B = 0.207, CI = 0.040–0.373, p = 0.015). However, among individuals with co-occurring insomnia and mental distress, the association was not significant (B = -0.093, CI = -0.346-0.161, p = 0.470). CONCLUSIONS: LDD does not associate with LBP-related disability when insomnia and mental distress co-occur. This finding may be useful when planning treatment and rehabilitation that aim to reduce disability among individuals with LDD and LBP. Future prospective research is warranted. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-023-06365-2.