The Effect of Transitioning to Remote Working in Patients Affected by Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effect of transitioning to remote working during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in a population of adults affected by chronic low back pain (cLBP). Methods: An online questionnaire was sent by email to teleworkers affected by cLBP. Demo-graphic data, remote working features and tasks, and LBP burden were analyzed. The psychological burden of remote working was evaluated with the World Health Organization Five Well-Being Index and the Patient Health Questionnaire-2. LBP severity was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. LBP-related disability was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index. The effect of LBP on working capacity was examined with the Occupational Role Question-naire. Independent risk factors related to LBP worsening were identified using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: During remote working, LBP severity was significantly higher compared to previous in-person working (p < 0.0001), as well as average weekly work hours (p < 0.001). Further-more, the risk of LBP worsening was associated with higher depression scores (odds ratio [OR], 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00–1.91; p = 0.048), increased stress levels (OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.04–8.65; p = 0.042), and being divorced (OR: 4.28, 95% CI: 1.27–14.47; p = 0.019). Conversely, living with others (OR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.07–0.81; p = 0.021), and reporting unchanged stress levels (OR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.08–0.65; p = 0.006) were associated with a lower risk of LBP worsening. Conclusion: Our findings highlight key factors to consider for improving remote workers’ physical and mental wellbeing and decrease their LBP burden.