Low pressure pain thresholds are associated with, but does not predispose for, low back pain

Eur Spine J. 2011 Dec;20(12):2120-5. doi: 10.1007/s00586-011-1796-4. Epub 2011 Apr 22.

Abstract

Chronic pain is often associated with hyperalgesia in cross-sectional studies. In the present study, a random cohort of 40-year-old individuals (n = 264) from the general population was assessed for low back pain (LBP) status and pressure pain threshold (PPT), with follow-up assessment 4 and 8 years later. Low PPT at baseline as a potential risk factor for the development of LBP was investigated longitudinally and the association between LBP and hyperalgesia was studied cross-sectionally at baseline and 8-year follow-up. Generalized (p < 0.03) and localized pressure hyperalgesia (p < 0.02) was found in participants with long-lasting LBP, but not with recent LBP (p > 0.08). Of the participants without recent or long-lasting LBP, those with a low PPT at baseline (lower 10% percentile) had no increased risk of developing LBP (p > 0.05). The findings indicate that PPT decreases as a consequence of long-lasting pain, whereas a low PPT seems not to constitute a separate risk factor for the development of LBP.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chronic Pain / diagnosis*
  • Chronic Pain / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hyperalgesia / diagnosis*
  • Hyperalgesia / physiopathology
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Low Back Pain / diagnosis*
  • Low Back Pain / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain Threshold / physiology*
  • Physical Stimulation
  • Pressure