Psychosocial Factors in Chiropractic Patients with Low Back Pain
Author Information
Author(s): Jennifer M Langworthy, Alan C Breen
Primary Institution: Institute for Musculoskeletal Research and Clinical Implementation, Anglo-European College of Chiropractic
Hypothesis
What psychosocial factors predict poor recovery in chiropractic patients with low back pain?
Conclusion
Chiropractic patients with low back pain showed few psychosocial predictors of poor outcomes, with general health and episode duration being more significant.
Supporting Evidence
- Most patients presented within 4 weeks of onset.
- Greatest improvements at 6 weeks were in interference with normal work and LBP bothersomeness.
- Co-morbidity was a risk for high-moderate interference with normal work at 6 weeks.
- An episode duration of >4 weeks was associated with moderate to high bothersomeness at 6 weeks.
Takeaway
This study looked at people with back pain who went to a chiropractor and found that their mental and social issues didn't really predict how well they would get better.
Methodology
A prospective inception cohort study with baseline and 6-week follow-up questionnaires assessing various psychosocial and clinical factors.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the independent sector setting and low distress levels at baseline.
Limitations
High attrition rate at 2 years limited further analysis of predictors.
Participant Demographics
57% female, mean age 43 years, 86% employed or self-employed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.014
Confidence Interval
95% C.I. 1.15–4.74
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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