A NEW study is shedding light on the impacts of back pain over time.
The study, by the American College of Rheumatology and the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, examines patient characteristics and the extent of healthcare and medication use associated with different “patterns” of back pain.
A sample group of 12,782 participants from Canada were interviewed every two years, from 1994-2011.
Participants provided data on factors including comorbidities, pain, disability, healthcare visits and opioid and other medication use.
A total of 45.6 per cent of participants reported back pain at least once, 18 per cent reported persistent pain, 28.1 per cent reported developing pain, 20.5 per cent reported recovery and 33.4 per cent reported occasional pain.
Members of the persistent and developing groups reported more pain and disability and more frequent healthcare visits and medication use.
The recovery group reported increased use of opioids and anti-depressants over time.
Lead author Mayilee Canizares said the study produced both good and bad news.
“The good news is that one in five people with back pain recovered – however, they continued to use opioids and anti-depressants, suggesting that people recovering from back pain need ongoing monitoring,” Dr Canizares said.
“The bad news was that one in five experienced persistent back pain, with an additional group – almost one in three – who developed back pain over time.”
Dr Canizares said findings suggested different approaches to treating different types of back pain may be more beneficial than a “one size fits all” approach.
For more information, click here.
- Read more: Alternatives to ease back pain
- Read more: The 'false message' given to people suffering back pain
