A Study On The Correlation Between Psychosocial Factors And Low Back Pain

Objective: To analyze the relationship of psychosocial factors and low back pain (LBP) patients. Methods: 1. 640 LBP patients were investigated with organic physical signs, Waddell's nonorganic physical signs (WNPS) and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MIvIPI). 2.They were divided into 4 groups according to organic and nonorganic physical signs (Group A: with organic physical sign; Group B: with nonorganic physical sign. Group C: with organic and nonorganic physical signs. Group D: neither with organic physical sign nor nonorganic physical sign.). 3. The results of MMPI scores were compared with Chinese norms. 4. The results of MMPI row scores and standard scores (T scores) of chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients that probably caused by nonorganic physical signs were compared separately with results obtained for a matched non- pain group (control group). 5. The relativity of data of WNPS with ypochondriasia (Hs), depression (D), hysteria (Hy)?of MMPI was studied. 6. Comparisons were carried out about age, sex, course of disease and labor insurance between group A and group B. 7. To observe the effect of prolapsed lumber intervertebral disc (PLID) in group A and group C after treatment. All data were compared statistically using t-test, X2-test and rs-test. Results: 1. There were no statistical significance between the results of MMPI scores and Chinese norms for group A. 2. The elevated scores at scales of Hs, D, Hy and psychasthemia (Pt) of MMPI for group B, C and D had significant differences form Chinese norms. 3. The elevated scores at scales of Hs, D and Hy of MMPI for patient group had significant differences from control group. It expressed neurotic characteristics. 4. 1 scores on Hs, D and Hy of patient group were more than 55 but less than 61. 5. Data of "Hs-D-Hy" of MMPI and WNPS had statistical correlation. 6. The results also indicated that there was statistical significance on age, sex, course of disease and labor insurance between group A and group B.7. It was better for group A than group C after operation or non- operation treatment. Conclusion: 1. Psychosocial factors highly related with some LBP patients, they showed neurotic triad of "Hs-D-Hy" 2. MMPI can be replaced by WNPS focusing LBP to evaluate the influence of psychosocial factors on LBP. 3. WNPS can be use to follow up the prognosis of LBP. We suggest that psychosocial and physical factors should be paid much attention during the treatment of LBP.