Previous History Of Low Back Pain Research Articles

A multidimensional nomogram combining clinical factors and imaging features to predict 1-year recurrence of low back pain with or without radicular pain after spinal manipulation/mobilization

BackgroundIn this retrospective study, we aimed to develop a nomogram to predict recurrence during a 1-year period of spinal manipulation/mobilization (SM/M) in patients with low back pain (LBP) with greater pain intensity, more severe comorbid conditions, or a neuropathic component.MethodsA total of 786 consecutive patients with LBP treated with SM/M as primary therapy were divided into training (n = 545) and validation (n = 241) sets. Cox regression analyses were used to assess the relative value of clinical factors and lumbar magnetic resonance imaging features associated with recurrence during the 1-year period. Predictors of recurrence with significant differences were used to construct a nomogram in the training set. We evaluated the performance of the model on the training and validation sets to determine its discriminative ability, calibration, and clinical utility. The prognostic value of the nomogram for predicting recurrence was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analyses.ResultsA nomogram comprising hospitalization time, previous history of LBP, disease duration, lumbar range of motion, lower extremity tendon reflex, muscle strength, ratio of herniation to uncompressed dural sac area, and Pfirrmann classification was established for recurrence during a 1-year period after SM/M in patients with LBP. Favorable calibration and discrimination were observed in the nomogram training and validation sets (C-index 0.753 and 0.779, respectively). Decision curve analysis confirmed the clinical utility of the nomogram. Over a 1-year period, the nomogram showed satisfactory performance in predicting recurrence in LBP after SM/M.ConclusionWe established and validated a novel nomogram that can accurately predict a patient's risk of LBP recurrence following SM/M. This realistic prognostic model may aid doctors and therapists in their decision-making process and strategy optimization for non-surgical treatment of LBP using SM/M.

Misconceptions of physical therapists and medical doctors regarding the impact of lifting a light load on low back pain

BackgroundA common misconception about low back pain (LBP) is that the spine is weak and that lumbar flexion should be avoided. Because the beliefs of health-care professionals (HCPs) influence patients, it is important to understand the attitudes of health care professionals towards LBP and lifting. ObjectivesTo assess and compare the perceptions of different categories of HCPs regarding the safety of specific movement strategies used to lift a light load, and their beliefs regarding back pain. The secondary aim was to determine whether certain factors influenced the beliefs of HCPs. MethodsData were collected via an electronic survey. Student and qualified physical therapists (PTs), medical students, and general practitioner (GP) trainees were included. The questionnaire included eight photographs, depicting eight different strategies to lift a light load. Respondents were requested to select the strategy(s) they considered as “unsafe” to use for asymptomatic people with a previous history of LBP and people with chronic LBP. Beliefs and attitudes towards LBP were evaluated using the Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (Back-PAQ). ResultsQuestionnaires from 1005 participants were included. Seventy percent of qualified PTs considered none of the strategies as harmful (versus 32% of PT students, 9% of GP trainees and 1% of medical students). Qualified PTs had higher Back-PAQ scores (mean ± SD: 13.6 ± 5.5) than PT students (8.7 ± 5.7), GP trainees (5.9 ± 5.9) and medical students (4.1 ± 5.2), indicating less misconceptions regarding LBP. Having LBP negatively influenced beliefs while taking a pain education course positively influenced beliefs. ConclusionMisconceptions regarding LBP and the harmfulness of lifting a light load with a rounded back remain common among HCPs, particularly medical doctors.

Lumbar interspinous pressure pain threshold values for healthy young men and women and the effect of prolonged fully flexed lumbar sitting posture: An observational study.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition with large burden worldwide. Exposure to prolonged sitting with a flexed lumbar posture has been suggested in the literature to be a potential risk factor for self-reported LBP. No study has previously investigated whether exposure to prolonged flexed sitting posture provokes discomfort/pain and decreased interspinous pressure pain thresholds for healthy young men and women without back pain, despite this being a suggested risk factor for LBP. To investigate whether sitting in a prolonged flexed lumbar posture provokes discomfort and lowers interspinous pressure pain thresholds in the lumbar spine for healthy young men and women without previous LBP. This is a an observational before and after study of 26 participants (13 men, 13 women) between 20-35 years old. Algometry was used to examine the pain threshold for pressure applied between spinous processes of the lumbar spine L1-L5. Pressure algometer measures were performed in prone before and after participants were instructed to sit in a fully flexed posture for a maximum of 15 min or until discomfort was experienced in the low back (Borg CR10 = 7/10). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for analyze values from the before and after test conditions. Mann-Whitney U test was used to investigate potential gender difference. Fully flexed lumbar spine sitting posture up to 15 min provoked temporary discomfort but the proportion of participants experiencing discomfort 7/10 in the low back was 62%. For all pain pressure threshold locations tested, there was a significant difference for the study population with moderate-large decreased (r = -0.56) pressure pain threshold after exposure to prolonged flexed sitting posture (P < 0.01). Comparisons between gender did not show any significant difference. The result showed that exposure to fully flexed lumbar sitting posture for up to 15 min produced temporary discomfort in the low back in young healthy adults with no previous history of LBP and significantly reduced lumbar interspinous pressure pain thresholds. No gender-based differences were observed.

Landing Stiffness Between Individuals With and Without a History of Low Back Pain.

Reduced spinal stabilization, delayed onset of muscle activation, and increased knee joint stiffness have been reported in individuals with a history of low back pain (LBP). Biomechanical adaptations resulting from LBP may increase the risk for future injury due to suboptimal loading of the lower-extremity or lumbar spine. Assessing landing mechanics in these individuals could help identify which structures might be susceptible to future injury. To compare vertical and joint stiffness of the lower-extremity and lumbar spine between individuals with and without a previous history of LBP. Cross-sectional study. Research laboratory. There were 45 participants (24 without a previous history of LBP-age 23 [8]y, height 169.0 [8.5]cm, mass 69.8 [13.8]kg; 21 with a previous history of LBP-age 25[9]y, height 170.0 [8.0]cm, mass 70.2 [11.8]kg). Single-limb landing trials on the dominant and nondominant limb from a 30-cm box. Vertical stiffness and joint stiffness of the ankle, knee, hip, and lumbar spine. Individuals with a previous history of LBP had lower vertical stiffness (P = .04), but not joint stiffness measures compared with those without a previous history of LBP (P > .05). Overall females had lower vertical (P = .01), ankle (P = .02), and hip stiffness (P = .04) compared with males among all participants. Males with a previous history of LBP had lower vertical stiffness compared with males without a previous history LBP (P = .01). Among all individuals without a previous history of LBP, females had lower vertical (P < .01) and ankle stiffness measures (P = .04) compared with males. Landing stiffness may differ among males and females and a previous history of LBP. Comparisons between individuals with and without previous LBP should be considered when assessing landing strategies, and future research should focus on how LBP impacts landing mechanics.

The relationship between low back pain and professional driving in young military recruits

BackgroundEpisodes of low back pain (LBP) are very common among workers. A number of occupational risk factors have been shown to increase the risk for LBP. One of these risk factors is exposure to whole body vibration, which is a known characteristic in driving professions. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of driving on LBP amongst young professional drivers.MethodsThis is an historical-prospective cohort study based on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) database of male soldiers drafted between the years 1997–2006. Subjects’ medical history with specific reference to LBP medical history, clinical and radiographic findings were taken as part of the recruitment process to the IDF. The study group included subjects (n = 80,599) from three occupational groups: administrative units (AU), car drivers (CD) and truck drivers (TD) that were followed for 3 years. The incidence and recrudescence rates of LBP were calculated based on standardized LBP severity tiers.ResultsThe total incidence rate for LBP was 0.65%, 0.7% and 0.34% for AU, CD and TD respectively. In a comparison between subjects without a history of LBP (category 1) to subjects with a history of LBP without clinical findings (category 2) and subjects with a history of LBP with mild clinical / radiographic findings (category 3), the relative risk (RR) for severe LBP exacerbation was 1.4 (p < 0.001) and 3.8 (p < 0.01), respectively. The LBP exacerbation rates within different severity tiers yielded a similar trend amongst all profession groups.ConclusionsThis study included 80,000 soldiers who represent a population of driving and administrative occupations aged 18–21. The significant risk factors for developing LBP were a previous history of LBP and presence of LBP symptoms at the start of work. A correlation was identified between severity of LBP at the initial examination and further exacerbation of LBP in all examined occupations. Driving as a profession in our (young) age-group was not identified as a risk factor for LBP.

The relationship between findings on magnetic resonance imaging and previous history of low back pain.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and previous low back pain (LBP) in participants without current LBP. Current LBP was defined as LBP during the past month. Previous LBP was defined as a history of medical consultation for LBP. Ninety-one participants without current LBP were included. Sagittal T2-weighted MRI was used to assess the intervertebral space from T12/L1 to L5/S1. These images were classified into five grades based on the Pfirrmann grading system. Furthermore, we evaluated the presence of disk bulging, high-intensity zone, and spondylolisthesis. We compared the MRI findings between groups with (27 participants) and without (64 participants) previous LBP without current LBP. Intraobserver and interobserver kappa values were evaluated. Participants had an average age of 34.9 years; 47 were female and 44 were male; and their average body mass index was 21.8 kg/m2. Compared to the group of participants without previous LBP, the group of participants with previous LBP had a significantly higher incidence of disk degeneration such as a Pfirrmann grade ≥3, disk bulging, and high-intensity zone in the analyses adjusted by age and sex. There were no significant differences in spondylolisthesis between the groups. An odds ratio of >10 was only found for Pfirrmann grade ≥3, ie, a Pfirrmann grade ≥3 was strongly associated with a history of previous LBP in participants without current LBP.

The prevalence, incidence and severity of low back pain among international-level rowers

Background/aimsThere is a paucity of prospective cohort studies investigating the incidence of low back pain (LBP) in rowing. We investigated (1) the prevalence and incidence of LBP among international-level rowers...

Baseline MRI Characteristics in Asymptomatic Subjects as Predictors for Future First-Time LBP Episode

IntroductionPreviously, it has been noted that there is no predictive value of MRI findings of degenerative changes of the lumbar spine in asymptomatic individuals in the development of first time episodes of low back pain (LBP). In a population-based cohort, this study addressed if radiographic findings on MRI in asymptomatic individuals are predictive in the development of first-time episodes of LBP and pain severity.Materials and MethodsA prospective, radiographic and clinical study was performed in 248 asymptomatic individuals of Southern Chinese origin with no previous history of LBP. All subjects underwent sagittal MRI assessment of the lumbar spine. Assessment of disk degeneration was based on the Schneiderman et al radiographic criteria to determine the presence, extent, and severity of disk degeneration. A summated degenerative disk disease (DDD) score of the lumbar spine was obtained, representing the global severity of disk degeneration. The presence of disk bulge/extrusion, Schmorl's nodes (SN), and Modic changes were also noted. At 2 years minimum follow-up, clinical assessment was performed and subject demographics were noted to identify the development of LBP and functional outcome status (e.g., Oswestry disability index).ResultsThere were 93 males and 155 females with a mean age at MRI of 42.9 years ( ± SD = 7.6, range: 21.1 to 54.6 years). Overall presence of disk degeneration, disk space narrowing, and disk bulge/extrusion was noted in 60.5, 19.0, and 34.3% of individuals, respectively. The mean DDD score was 2.2 ( ± SD = 2.9; range: 0 to 12). SN and Modic changes were noted in 10.5 and 1.2%, respectively. Clinical follow-up was performed at a mean of 4.3 years ( ± SD = 1.9, range: 2.2 to 10.0 years). The incidence rate of first-time LBP episodes on clinical follow-up was 34.7%. The mean age of first-time LBP episode was 44.8 years ( ± SD = 8.5; range: 22 to 57 years). Regression modeling noted that the presence of disk bulge/extrusion (OR: 2.37; 95% CI, 1.30–4.32) and increasing DDD score (>7 score OR: 6.90; 95% CI, 1.86–25.52), in particular if segments involved the mid lumbar region, demonstrated significant predictive utility for developing first-time LBP episode. DDD score and disk bulge/extrusion were found predictive to the severity of LBP, greater functional disability, and increased frequency of future LBP episodes (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis large-scale prospective study substantiates that spinal changes are found in asymptomatic subjects on MRI; however, the “global severity” of disk degeneration on initial MRI may be predictive in the development of first-time LBP episodes.I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstractNoDisclosure of InterestNone declared

Baseline MRI Characteristics in Asymptomatic Subjects as Predictors for Future First-Time LBP Episode

Introduction Previously, it has been noted that there is no predictive value of MRI findings of degenerative changes of the lumbar spine in asymptomatic individuals in the development of first time episodes of low back pain (LBP). In a population-based cohort, this study addressed if radiographic findings on MRI in asymptomatic individuals are predictive in the development of first-time episodes of LBP and pain severity. Materials and Methods A prospective, radiographic and clinical study was performed in 248 asymptomatic individuals of Southern Chinese origin with no previous history of LBP. All subjects underwent sagittal MRI assessment of the lumbar spine. Assessment of disk degeneration was based on the Schneiderman et al radiographic criteria to determine the presence, extent, and severity of disk degeneration. A summated degenerative disk disease (DDD) score of the lumbar spine was obtained, representing the global severity of disk degeneration. The presence of disk bulge/extrusion, Schmorl's nodes (SN), and Modic changes were also noted. At 2 years minimum follow-up, clinical assessment was performed and subject demographics were noted to identify the development of LBP and functional outcome status (e.g., Oswestry disability index). Results There were 93 males and 155 females with a mean age at MRI of 42.9 years ( ± SD = 7.6, range: 21.1 to 54.6 years). Overall presence of disk degeneration, disk space narrowing, and disk bulge/extrusion was noted in 60.5, 19.0, and 34.3% of individuals, respectively. The mean DDD score was 2.2 ( ± SD = 2.9; range: 0 to 12). SN and Modic changes were noted in 10.5 and 1.2%, respectively. Clinical follow-up was performed at a mean of 4.3 years ( ± SD = 1.9, range: 2.2 to 10.0 years). The incidence rate of first-time LBP episodes on clinical follow-up was 34.7%. The mean age of first-time LBP episode was 44.8 years ( ± SD = 8.5; range: 22 to 57 years). Regression modeling noted that the presence of disk bulge/extrusion (OR: 2.37; 95% CI, 1.30–4.32) and increasing DDD score (&gt;7 score OR: 6.90; 95% CI, 1.86–25.52), in particular if segments involved the mid lumbar region, demonstrated significant predictive utility for developing first-time LBP episode. DDD score and disk bulge/extrusion were found predictive to the severity of LBP, greater functional disability, and increased frequency of future LBP episodes ( p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion This large-scale prospective study substantiates that spinal changes are found in asymptomatic subjects on MRI; however, the “global severity” of disk degeneration on initial MRI may be predictive in the development of first-time LBP episodes. I confirm having declared any potential conflict of interest for all authors listed on this abstract No Disclosure of Interest None declared

Low back pain in 1,100 Iranian pregnant women: prevalence and risk factors

Background Low back pain (LBP) is a common and costly problem in pregnancy. It is one of the main reasons for disability, absence from work, and responsible for huge direct and indirect economical impact. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBP during pregnancy. Study design A cross-sectional study was carried out on Iranian pregnant women. Patient sample Eleven hundred randomly selected pregnant women. Outcome measures A structured questionnaire including demographic, lifestyle, as well as prevalence and characteristics of LBP was used. Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry low back disability questionnaires were also used to assess the pain intensity and functional disability, respectively. Methods After ethical approval from Medical Ethics Board at the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,100 pregnant women from 18 health centers in Sari district, at northern Iran. Results Point, last-month, last 6-month, last-year, and lifetime prevalence of LBP were 40.2%, 55.9%, 59.4%, 76.2%, and 84.1%, respectively. Prolonged standing and rest were found to be the most significant aggravating and relieving factors (76.3% and 87.7%, respectively). LBP was significantly correlated with history of previous LBP and LBP in previous pregnancy (p=.000 in both cases). Conclusion The prevalence of LBP in pregnant women appears to be high and future research should focus on different preventive strategies during pregnancy.

European guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pelvic girdle pain.

A guideline on pelvic girdle pain (PGP) was developed by "Working Group 4" within the framework of the COST ACTION B13 "Low back pain: guidelines for its management", issued by the European Commission, Research Directorate-General, Department of Policy, Coordination and Strategy. To ensure an evidence-based approach, three subgroups were formed to explore: (a) basic information, (b) diagnostics and epidemiology, and (c) therapeutical interventions. The progress of the subgroups was discussed at each meeting and the final report is based on group consensus. A grading system was used to denote the strength of the evidence, based on the AHCPR Guidelines (1994) and levels of evidence recommended in the method guidelines of the Cochrane Back Review group. It is concluded that PGP is a specific form of low back pain (LBP) that can occur separately or in conjunction with LBP. PGP generally arises in relation to pregnancy, trauma, arthritis and/or osteoarthritis. Uniform definitions are proposed for PGP as well as for joint stability. The point prevalence of pregnant women suffering from PGP is about 20%. Risk factors for developing PGP during pregnancy are most probably a history of previous LBP, and previous trauma to the pelvis. There is agreement that non risk factors are: contraceptive pills, time interval since last pregnancy, height, weight, smoking, and most probably age. PGP can be diagnosed by pain provocation tests (P4/thigh thrust, Patrick's Faber, Gaenslen's test, and modified Trendelenburg's test) and pain palpation tests (long dorsal ligament test and palpation of the symphysis). As a functional test, the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test is recommended. Mobility (palpation) tests, X-rays, CT, scintigraphy, diagnostic injections and diagnostic external pelvic fixation are not recommended. MRI may be used to exclude ankylosing spondylitis and in the case of positive red flags. The recommended treatment includes adequate information and reassurance of the patient, individualized exercises for pregnant women and an individualized multifactorial treatment program for other patients. We recommend medication (excluding pregnant women), if necessary, for pain relief. Recommendations are made for future research on PGP.

Effect of active limb movements on symptoms in patients with low back pain.

A descriptive, correlational study of patients with mechanical low back pain (LBP). To assess the effect of active limb movements on symptoms in patients with LBP and to examine the relationship between symptoms with limb movements and select patient characteristics. Limb movements result in forces applied to the spine and, thus, may be important in the examination and treatment of patients with LBP. A total of 188 people with LBP, 84 men and 104 women, participated in a standardized examination. Six of the items required patients to move their limbs and note LBP symptoms as increased, remained the same, or decreased. The prevalence of various symptom responses with each limb movement test was calculated. Relationships between patient characteristics and reports of increased symptoms were examined with Cochran's linear trend statistic and the Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients. Differences in characteristics of patients with and without increased symptoms were examined with chi2 test, Mann-Whitney U test, or Student's t test for independent groups. An increase in symptoms was reported by 149 patients with at least 1 of the limb movement tests, and 3 of the patients reported a decrease in symptoms. Across the patient sample, the mean number of limb movement tests for which symptoms were reported as increased was 2.30 +/- 1.64. Patients with an increase in symptoms reported higher average pain intensity the week prior to the examination (median = 2; range: 1-5) and higher functional disability (mean = 0.25; SD = 0.15) than those without a change in symptoms (pain intensity: median = 1; range: 0-2 and functional disability: mean = 0.16; SD = 0.12). The correlation between the number of increased symptoms and the person's average pain intensity was r = 0.23; the correlation with the functional disability score was r = 0.36. Patients with a history of LBP tended to report an increase in symptoms with more of the limb movement tests (mean = 3.5; SD = 1.40) than those without a previous history of LBP (mean = 2.0; SD = 1.11). Active limb movements performed during the examination primarily resulted in increased LBP symptoms. The presence and number of increased symptoms with the active limb movements was related to the patient's report of average pain intensity and functional disability. Tests of symptoms with active limb movements may provide insight into factors contributing to a LBP problem, as well as information to guide the treatment of patients with LBP.

Influence of previous pain experience on the episode incidence of low back pain: results from the South Manchester Back Pain Study

Background: A pathological cause cannot be identified for most new episodes of low back pain (LBP) presenting to the general practitioner. One important potential influence on susceptibility is previous pain experience. To accurately investigate the contribution of this phenomenon to the onset of new episodes of LBP a prospective population study is required. Aims: To determine the relationship of prior pain in the back and other musculoskeletal sites to risk of subsequent new episodes of LBP. Methods: The population studied included all 2715 adults from the South Manchester Back Pain Study who were free of LBP during the month prior to the baseline survey. At baseline a detailed musculoskeletal pain history was obtained. New episodes of LBP over the subsequent 12 months were ascertained by: (i) prospectively monitoring all primary care consultations in the study cohort (consulting episodes) and (ii) a follow-up survey after 1 year to determine new episodes during that 12-month period not leading to consultation (non-consulting episodes). Results: The 12-month cumulative incidence of new consulting episodes was 3% in males and 5% in females, and for new non-consulting episodes 31% in males and 32% in females. Those with a history of previous LBP had twice the rate of new episodes, both consulting and non-consulting, compared to those with no LBP in the past. Neck pain or pain in other musculoskeletal sites at baseline also doubled the risk of a subsequent new episode of LBP. Adjusting for psychological distress and the other pain variables had little influence on the findings. Conclusion: In those currently free of LBP a previous history of the symptom substantially increases the risk of a further episode, with pain in other sites an equally strong independent predictor of subsequent LBP.

1987 Volvo award in clinical sciences. The perception of back pain and the role of psychophysical tests of lifting capacity.

In order to study the predictive value of pre-employment screening tests, a volunteer population of 1,741 men and 1,150 women was questioned about their experience of low-back pain (LBP) and their perception of physical exertion at work. They undertook a battery of tests, including psychophysical assessments of lifting capacity, and they were followed up by postal questionnaire after 1 year. The response rate was 88.7%. The psychophysical tests have proved to be simple and inexpensive to administer; in good hands, they are repeatable. Although psychophysical lifting capacity was less in those with previous LBP, the psychophysical strength tests were poor predictors of future LBP. But when the previous history of LBP was known, then the test results significantly enhanced the prediction.