[Amplified back pain and comorbidity in the population].

BACKGROUND

Chronic back pain is rarely the sole health problem. Data concerning the association between comorbidities and different stages of chronic back pain in the German adult population are lacking.

METHODS

Postal questionnaire data were collected for 3,765 persons (aged 18-75 years) in 4 German cities. Comorbidities and different stages of back pain chronification were determined.

RESULTS

The prevalence and number of comorbidities varied with the extent of back pain chronification. Approximately one-third of individuals with a high degree of back pain chronicity (stages 2 and 3) received medical treatment for three or more comorbidities compared to 5% of those without amplified back pain (stage 0).

CONCLUSION

Treatment concepts for chronic back pain have to consider comorbidities also present and focusing exclusively on the pain problem seems inappropriate.