The effects of lifestyle intervention for hypertension on low back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of a lifestyle intervention for hypertension on low back pain.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

According to prospective etiologic studies, a causal association exists between certain lifestyle factors and low back pain. These factors are similar to those that elevate the risk for hypertension. Nevertheless, no randomized controlled trial has assessed effectiveness of lifestyle intervention for the treatment of hypertension on the prevalence of low back pain.

METHODS

A total of 731 hypertensive employees from 45 worksites were assigned to multidisciplinary lifestyle interventions for hypertension in a rehabilitation center or to routine care in occupational or primary healthcare services during 12 months. Questionnaire data on low back pain were used to assess the effects of the intervention on the extent of low back pain and disability.

RESULTS

The changes in prevalence and duration of low back pain, and related disability did not differ between the 2 groups, although there were favorable changes in some risk factors, such as body weight and physical inactivity. Subgroup analyses among patients with moderately heavy or heavy work showed that the prevalence of low back pain during the previous 12 months decreased more in the intervention than in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention aimed to reduce hypertension is not effective at reducing prevalence of low back pain or disability. However, in the subgroup of persons doing moderate or heavy work, the intervention seemed to reduce prevalence of low back pain during the 1-year follow-up.