Is depression a risk factor for low back pain?

IS DEPRESSION A RISK FACTOR FOR LOW BACK PAIN? A PROSPECTIVE CO-TWIN STUDY

Presenter: Pinheiro MB

This Module addresses:

Question: Do symptoms of depression increase the risk of low back pain

when genetics and early environmental influences are considered?

Conclusion: Symptoms of depression do not increase the risk of low

back pain when high levels of adjustment for confounders were applied.

This association appears to be confounded by genetic factors or even

environmental factors and challenge the notion of depression as a causal

factor for low back pain.

Key Practice Points:

• People with symptoms of depression might not be at higher risk of

developing low back pain.

• Genetic and environment factors need to be considered in the

depression-low back pain relationship.

CPD Points: 0.25