Association Between Systemic Inflammation and Low Back Pain

Date Posted:

January 2026

Study Title:

Association Between Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and Low Back Pain in American Adults: Evidence From a Large Population-Based Study

Authors:

Yuyang C

 

Low back pain is a complex condition with multifactorial etiology and diverse neurobiological causes. The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) is a recently developed serological marker that evaluates systemic inflammation by integrating platelet, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts. The SII has been extensively studied across multiple inflammatory-related disease categories, including hypertension, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and has demonstrated utility in prognosticating patient outcomes across various types of cancers and coronary artery disease.

The SII is also theorized to be a potential factor in the pathogenesis of low back pain. Common causes of low back pain, such as degenerative disc changes, ligament injuries, and muscle strains, can trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses in local spinal tissues, leading to the recruitment of inflammatory cells. The relevant mechanism is believed to involve recruitment of inflammatory cells secreting inflammatory mediators secondary to tissue injury. This process is believed to further amplify inflammatory processes, contribute to ongoing tissue damage and increased pain perception. While the role of the SII in various health-related conditions has been established, its impact on low back pain remains understudied. The goal of this study was to determine if SII levels correlate with low back pain prevalence in adults aged 20 and older.