Study of Autonomic Functions in Patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Aim and Objectives To evaluate parasympathetic and sympathetic reactivity and assess any derangement in either or both of the limb of autonomic functions in patients of non specific chronic low back pain. Introduction Non specific chronic low back pain (nCLBP) is prevalent among adults and often leads to functional limitations, psychological symptoms, lower quality of life, and expenditure on health care. The focus of autonomic function and health has been cardiovascular diseases; musculoskeletal syndromes have been paid much less attention. However, there are many epidemiological and other studies suggesting that there is a connection between musculoskeletal disorders and psychological risk factors such as stress. Material and Method Male patients within the age group of 24–45 years(n= 40), who had a history suggesting chronic non specific low back pain were recruited from Orthopedics OPD and the control were the age and BMI matched healthy young adults within the same age bracket as that of study group. Autonomic function was assessed by using conventional autonomic function test. The data collected was evaluated using SPSS 17. Unpaired student “t” test was applied to compare the results P-value ˂ 0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Result The E: I ratio of control group was1.85±0.14 and in study group it1.30±0.17, the difference being statistically significant, Similar observation was made for other parasympathetic reactivity test like 30: 15 ratio. Conclusion Our results and review of literature make us of the view that parasympathetic activity decreases in patients of non specific chronic low back pain.