The Psychosocial Factors That Can Lead to Low Back PainBy Spine IQ Staff If you have low back pain, you are not alone. Many people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives and low back pain is now the leading cause of physical disability worldwide, according to studies. While low back pain is common, luckily, the vast majority of cases are not life-threatening. However, it is important that you understand what causes low back pain and when you should be concerned. Causes of Low Back Pain While there are many potential causes, including biomechanical and anatomical factors, recent research has shown that psychosocial factors related to fear, stress and negative emotions often play a role in the development and persistence of low back pain.
Other Factors That May Be Associated With Low Back Pain In addition to psychosocial factors, several other factors are sometimes associated with low back pain:
Key Points to Remember There are many potential causes of low back pain, including biomechanical and anatomic abnormalities, as well as psychosocial factors. Psychosocial factors refer to the psychological and social aspects of your life that can influence your experience of pain. Some examples of psychosocial factors that have been linked to low back pain include fear avoidance beliefs, catastrophizing, depression and anxiety, and stress. Understanding these psychosocial factors can help you better manage your low back pain. If you are struggling with low back pain, consider seeing a clinician who specializes in care for low back pain, such as a doctor of chiropractic, who can conduct a thorough history and examination, provide assurance that you do not have a life-threatening condition, and talk with you about what steps you can take to decrease your pain. Spine IQ is a nonprofit organization focused on sharing patient-centered resources to help those experiencing low back pain make informed choices for their care, beginning with the safest, most effective approach possible. To learn more about back health and back pain, visit SpineIQ.org. |