Pain-related interference and pain-related psychosocial factors of three different subgroups of patients with chronic low back pain

Abstract

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) subgroup identification and management are a research priority. The clarification of subgroup differences could assist clinicians in clinical decisions contributing to a tailored treatment. ObjectivesTo compare pain-related interference and pain-related psychosocial factors among subgroups of chronic low back pain (localised low back pain, peripheral neuropathic back pain, and widespread pain). DesignCross-sectional study. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 444 participants with chronic low back pain. Pain-related interference was investigated by the Brief Pain Inventory and Patient-Specific Functional Scale. Pain-related psychosocial factors assessment included psychosocial factors from Brief Screening Questions and maladaptive beliefs from Back Beliefs Questionnaire, self-efficacy, and expectation questions. Participants’ characteristics, pain-related interference, and pain-related psychosocial factors were compared among the three groups. ResultsA one-way ANCOVA presented statistically significant differences among the groups for current pain intensity [F(2,441) = 6.77, p = 0.001], pain duration [F(2,425) = 9.83, p < 0.001], pain-related interference by Brief Pain Inventory [F(2,441) = 11.97, p < 0.001], and pain-related psychosocial factors regarding symptoms of anxiety [F(2,441) = 3.85, p = 0.022], symptoms of depression [F(2,441) = 6.74, p = 0.001], social isolation [F(2,441) = 6.54, p = 0.002], catastrophising [F(2,441) = 9.72, p < 0.001], perceived stress [F(2,441) = 3.93, p = 0.020], maladaptive beliefs [F(2,441) = 6.89, p = 0.001], and expectation [F(2,441) = 6.66, p = 0.001]. ConclusionParticipants with widespread pain presented higher pain-related interference and pain-related psychosocial factors compared to the localised low back pain group. Participants with peripheral neuropathic back pain and widespread pain presented with similar characteristics.