Chronic Low Back Pain and Fatigue: A Clinical Study in the Portuguese Population
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25759/spmfr.230Keywords:
Chronic Pain, Fatigue, Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic, Low Back Pain, Portugal, Surveys and QuestionnairesAbstract
Introduction: Chronic low back pain causes a high level of disability and is a public health problem that currently affects a large percentage of the working population in Europe. Fatigue, although subjective and complex, seems to be one of the main symptoms of patients with chronic low back pain. The prevalence and pathogenesis of fatigue are not completely understood, but it is well known that fatigue interferes decisively in the perception of wellness and quality of life. This study aims to assess the prevalence of fatigue in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain and its impact on functionality.
Material and Methods: This was a transversal, non-randomized clinical study, with 30 Portuguese adults suffering from chronic low back pain, and included the following instruments: an individual characterization questionnaire, visual analogue scale for pain, fatigue impact scale and Roland Morris questionnaire.
Results: The study showed a long duration of pain (mean 10.6 years) and moderate to high value of disability in this population. We found a significant relationship between pain intensity and fatigue (p ≤ 0.05) and between fatigue and disability (p ≤ 0.001).
Discussion: Fatigue is a prevalent symptom in patients with chronic low back pain and increases with the intensity of pain. In these patients more fatigue means greater functional disability. This underlines the need for comprehensive clinical management of the nociceptive environment, understood as a potential generator of limitation on activity and participation. It emphasizes also the need for a functional rehabilitation program to identify the variables of pain, fatigue and function objectively.
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