Predictors of disability in patients with chronic low back pain

INTRODUCTION: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common and disabling health problem. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between pain intensity, the components of catastrophizing, depression and disability in patients with chronic low back pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients diagnosed with CLBP (age range 25–77 years; 73.7% female) participated in the study. Participants’ socio-demographic data were collected: age, gender, height, weight, and work status (employed or retired). All participants were asked to complete the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (ODQ), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: The mean group scores revealed moderate CLBP complaints (VAS – 4 [3–6]), mild depression (BDI – 10 [5–16]), a moderate level of catastrophizing (PCS total score 20.5 [10–34]) and moderate disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] – 31 [14–38]). Positive significant correlations were found between ODI and age, residence, work status, VAS, PCS-rumination, PCS-magnification, PCS-helplessness and BDI, and also between PCS subscales and VAS. Our multivariate linear regression analysis showed that age, pain intensity, PCS-helplessness and depression can predict disability in patients with CLBP, explaining 84% of the variance of disability (R(2) = 0.851, adjusted R(2) = 0.843). CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach is needed for patients with CLBP and should include physical, mental and social evaluation in order to offer an optimal treatment.