Association between chronic low back pain and functional disability: a comparison between men and women

Abstract

Background: The subjective perception of the impact of pain on daily activities is important for effective rehabilitation and the optimization of treatment for patients with chronic low back pain.

Group: The sample consisted of 104 patients (30 men and 74 women) with chronic low back pain aged 18-65 years treated at the Center for Treatment of Pain, University Hospital Ostrava.

Methods: The Oswetry Disability Index (ODI) scale was used for data collection, which measures functional disability or limitations in daily activities (personal care, lifting, walking, sitting, standing, sleeping, sex life, social life, travel). Mann-Whitney test, Fisher's exact test and Kendall's coefficient were used for statistical analysis.

Results: The average pain in the last 24 hours was found at NRS level 6 (men 7, women 6, p = 0.096), current pain at NRS level 6 (men 6, women 6, p = 0.327). Functional disability was ODI = 66%, Functional disability was ODI = 66%, showing very severe disability significantly affecting all daily activities, with no significant difference between men and women (p = 0.605). A positive correlation (higher pain, greater impact on disability) was found between average pain over 24 hours and limitation in daily activities (tk = 0.26; p < 0.001) and between current pain and ODI (tk = 0.24; p < 0.001). There are significant differences in the ODI categories (personal care, lifting and sex life) between men and women.

Conclusions: The study showed differences in some ODI categories between genders and the association of pain with functional disability. The findings should lead to supporting the maintenance of mobility, physical and psychological health of all patients with chronic lowe back pain.