Association between low back pain and common mental disorders in adults: systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Its etiology is multifactorial and results in losses for individuals and society. The biopsychosocial model of LBP offers a comprehensive approach to assessment and interventions. Researchers investigate the relationship between LBP and Common Mental Disorders (CMD) within this concept. This systematic review aimed to identify and analyze recent studies on the topic. CONTENTS: The study was submitted to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (registration number CRD 42020210375). The 27 articles in the corpus were selected from the Medlin/PubMed and BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) databases from 2015 to 2022. Only those that investigated a possible relationship between CMD (anxiety or depression) and LBP in adult populations were included. Most articles in the corpus confirmed the relationship between LBP and CMD, however, gaps were identified regarding the direction of causality between the two outcomes and why this relationship was established. Methodological limitations in relation to sample selection and LBP assessment instruments used were also identified. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the need for studies on the topic with greater methodological criteria and with a design that allows causality to be assessed. Thus, it will be possible to guide clinical practice based on scientific evidence. Longitudinal studies with an emphasis on the biopsychosocial model can contribute to support specific therapeutic approaches.