Effect of low back pain on psychological health and quality of life in patients with lumbar spondylosis: A pilot study

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate psychosocial health and quality of life levels in patients with lumbar spondylosis and chronic low back pain and in patients with musculoskeletal pain without low back pain. Methods: Eighty patients with lumbar spondylosis, chronic low back pain and 60 patients with musculoskeletal pain (wihout low back pain) participated in the study. Pain, health-related quality of life, disability associated with back pain, depression, well-being, life satisfaction and functional back performance were evaluated in both groups. Result: Two groups were similar for pain intensity, well-being and life satisfaction (p>0.05). When compared to the other group, disability associated with back pain and depression level were higher; functional back performance and quality of life level were lower in the low back pain group (p<0.05). Conclusion: This pilot study showed that the negative effects of chronic low back pain on psychosocial health and quality of life were more significant than other musculoskeletal pain conditions. More comprehensive studies are needed on this issue.