A scoping review of biopsychosocial risk factors and co-morbidities for common spinal disorders

PLOS ONE, 2018 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0197987 · Published: June 1, 2018

Spinal Disorders Research Methodology & Design

Simple Explanation

This review identifies risk factors, prognostic factors, and comorbidities associated with common spinal disorders. Spinal disorders should be considered within a biopsychosocial model of health, linked to behaviors like smoking, BMI, activity, and conditions like anxiety, depression, and diabetes. The Global Spine Care Initiative (GSCI) aims to reduce the global burden of spinal disease by bringing together healthcare scientists, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

3,453 candidate papers

Evidence Level

Scoping Review

Key Findings

1
Smoking and negative recovery expectations are risk factors for non-specific low back pain.
2
High job demands and monotonous work are risk factors for non-specific neck pain.
3
Age, imprisonment, and previous tuberculosis history are risk factors for spinal tuberculosis.

Research Summary

This review provides a compendium of risk and prognostic factors and comorbidities for common spinal disorders. Spinal disorders are co-morbid with several general health conditions. However, no substantial body of literature provides clarity as to which conditions are merely comorbid versus risk factors. Modifiable risk factors may be fertile grounds for initiating research on individual or community-based public health programs that may help prevent or mitigate the effects of common spinal disorders.

Practical Implications

Public Health Programs

Target modifiable risk factors like smoking and obesity through public health initiatives.

Research Priorities

Conduct further research to differentiate between comorbidities and actual risk factors for spinal disorders.

Clinical Practice

Consider spinal disorders within a broader biopsychosocial context in clinical care pathways.

A scoping review of biopsychosocial risk factors and co-morbidities for common spinal disorders

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Public Health Programs

Research Priorities

Clinical Practice

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

A scoping review of biopsychosocial risk factors and co-morbidities for common spinal disorders

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Public Health Programs

Research Priorities

Clinical Practice

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?