Comorbidity in patients with chronic low back pain

Background. Studies concerning comorbidity in patients with chronic low back pain and its correlation to the stage of chronification are rare. Methods. This case-control study (matched-pair analysis) examines the number and specificity of comorbidity as well as the extent of disability due to comorbidity in 51 patients with chronic low back pain compared to age- and sex-matched control persons. Moreover, the correlation of comorbidity and the stage of chronification was analysed in these patients. Results. Patients with chronic low back pain had significantly more comorbidities and a higher disability due to comorbidity compared to the control persons. The higher the stage of chronification according to the Mainz Pain Staging System (MPSS) the higher was the number of comorbidities. Conclusion. Comorbidity should be given due consideration when evaluating diagnosis, therapy, prognosis and therapy outcome in patients with chronic low back pain.