Associations between lifestyle-related risk factors and back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Mendelian randomization studies

Abstract

Abstract Background Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have an advantage over conventional observational studies when studying the causal effect of lifestyle-related risk factors on back pain. However, given the heterogeneous design of existing MR studies on back pain, the reported causal estimates of these effects remain equivocal, thus obscuring the true extent of the biological effects of back pain lifestyle-risk factors. Purpose The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review with multiple meta-analyses on the associations between various lifestyle factors and low back pain. Methods We conducted a PRISMA systematic review and specifically included MR studies to investigate the associations between lifestyle factors—specifically, BMI, insomnia, smoking, alcohol consumption, and leisure sedentary behavior—and various back pain outcomes. Each meta-analysis synthesized data from three or more studies to assess the causal impact of these exposures on distinct back pain outcomes, including chronic pain, disability, and pain severity. Quality of studies was assessed according to STROBE-MR guidelines. Results A total of 1576 studies were evaluated and 20 were included. Overall, the studies included were of high quality and had a low risk of bias. Our meta-analysis demonstrates the positive causal effect of BMI (OR IVW−random effects models: 1.18 [1.08–1.30]), insomnia(OR IVW−random effects models: 1.38 [1.10–1.74]), smoking(OR IVW−fixed effects models: 1.30 [1.23–1.36]), alcohol consumption(OR IVW−fixed effects models: 1.31 [1.21–1.42]) and leisure sedentary behaviors(OR IVW−random effects models: 1.52 [1.02–2.25]) on back pain. Conclusion In light of the disparate designs and causal effect estimates presented in numerous MR studies, our meta-analysis establishes a compelling argument that lifestyle-related risk factors such as BMI, insomnia, smoking, alcohol consumption, and leisure sedentary behaviors genuinely contribute to the biological development of back pain.