The effect of pregabalin treatment on balance and gait in patients with chronic low back pain: a retrospective observational study

Background: Low back pain is the most common musculoskeletal problem, and is a major cause of loss of workforce. Chronic low back pain associated with radiculopathy often includes nociceptive and neuropathic components. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the first choice for the nociceptive component, pregabalin is preferred as the neuropathic component. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of 48 patients (26 women, 22 men) who had chronic low back pain associated with radiculopathy. A follow-up chart was used to collect data from February 2017 to November 2017. The patients characteristics (age, gender, initial daily dose of pregabalin), neuropathic pain (DN4 scale; Douleur Neuropathique, 4 questions), and balance and gait (Tinetti Balance and Gait Test) were assessed. Results: The DN4 scores in the fourth (p < .001) and 12th (p < .001) weeks were significantly lower in patients. The Tinetti total test scores (23.2 ± 3.9) in the first (p > .001) week were significantly lower. There was no significant difference between the Tinetti test scores (balance, gait, and total scores) at baseline and in the 12th week (p > .001). Conclusion: Pregabalin is effective on neuropathic pain and may have adverse effects on balance at initial doses and dose increments. Tolerance develops to these effects at maintenance doses.