Psychosocial Factors Related to Severe Pain & Functional Limitation in LBP

Psychosocial Factors Related to Severe Pain & Functional Limitation in LBP

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Psychosocial factors are known to negatively influence clinical outcomes in patients with LBP by contributing to pain development, pain aggravation and chronification. It is also established that patients with negative illness beliefs about LBP report higher pain intensity scores, longer pain duration and a higher level of disability, while patients with positive beliefs (i.e. high self-efficacy) may have a better prognosis and treatment outcome. 

This study investigated the relationship between specific psychosocial factors and severe pain and functional limitation in patients with LBP. 

Conclusions Preview:

“This study investigated the relationship between psychosocial factors, severe pain and functional limitation in patients with LBP. Patients who presented with kinesiophobia, catastrophizing and the maladaptive belief that rest is important in the context of LBP were more likely to describe severe pain intensity and functional limitations. Interestingly, and despite their high prevalence, anxiety, depression and perceived stress were not associated with severe LBP in this study. 

The findings of this study are important for several reasons. First…”

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RESEARCH REVIEW: “Psychosocial Factors Related to Severe Pain & Functional Limitation in LBP”

This paper was published in the Brazilian Journal of Physiotherapy (2022) and this Review is posted in Low Back Pain, Pain – Biopsychosocial Model and the 2023 Archive.