The Understanding persistent Pain Where it ResiDes study of low back pain cohort profile

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundDespite chronic low back pain (LBP) being considered a biopsychosocial condition for diagnosis and management, few studies have investigated neurophysiological or neurobiological risk factors thought to underpin the transition from acute to chronic LBP. The aim of this cohort profile is to describe the methodology, compare baseline characteristics between acute LBP participants and pain-free controls, and compare LBP participants with or without completed follow-up.Methods120 individuals experiencing acute LBP and 57 pain-free controls were recruited to participate in the Understanding Persistent Pain Where it Resides (UPWaRD) study. Screening was conducted via email and phone. Neurobiological, psychological, and sociodemographic data were collected at baseline, three- and six-months. LBP status was assessed using the numerical rating scale and Roland-Morris disability questionnaire at three and six-month follow-up.Results95 participants (79%) provided outcome data at three-month follow-up and 96 participants (80%) at six-months. Participants who did not complete follow-up at three- and six-months within the UPWaRD LBP cohort had higher psychological distress, higher pain interference, higher levels of moderate physical activity, and reported occupational difficulties due to pain (P = <0.05). Compared to controls, LBP participants in the UPWaRD cohort were older, had a higher BMI, a higher prevalence of comorbidities and higher medication usage. Higher depression, anxiety and stress, lower pain self-efficacy and higher pain catastrophizing during acute LBP were correlated with higher six-month pain and disability (P = < 0.01).ConclusionsThis cohort profile reports baseline characteristics of the UPWaRD LBP and pain-free control cohort.