The relationship of anxiety and depression in patientswith chronic LOW back and neck pain

Background and Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between anxiety and depression in patients with low back and neck pain who applied to the algology outpatient clinic, and to compare these data with individuals in the healthy control group to evaluate whether there is a significant difference between them. Materials and Methods: After obtaining the approval of the Dicle University Faculty of Medicine Ethics Committee (Date: 15.02.2022, Decision No: 64), patients with low back and neck pain who applied to the Dicle University Faculty of Medicine algology outpatient clinic between February 16, 2022 and June 30, 2022 were evaluated for eligibility for the study. Eligible patients were informed about the study, and patients who voluntarily agreed to participate in the study were interviewed. All participants were informed that participation in the study was based on the principle of voluntariness and that they had the right to withdraw from the study at any time if they wished. The control group (n=100) was selected from healthy volunteers without any low back/neck pain. The patients who met the study criteria were interviewed face-to-face after giving their voluntary consent and their data were obtained through the sociodemographic data form and scales prepared by the researchers in this interview. In addition to personal data and pain assessment parameters, the 'Beck depression scale' for depression assessment and the 'Beck anxiety scale' for anxiety assessment were applied to all participants. Visual pain scale (VAS) was used for the pain assessment of the patients. The data obtained through these forms were analyzed statistically. The SPSS package program, version 28.0 was used for the analyses. Results: In our study, the incidence of anxiety and depression in patients with low back and neck pain was found to be statistically significant. It was determined that the incidence of low back and neck pain was increased in housewives, advanced age, low education level, married people, long-term working status and higher body mass index. It was observed that although the rate of anxiety was higher in the female gender, the rate of depression was not different between genders. Both anxiety and depression were more common in housewives and retirees. The length of the pain duration and higher BMI were associated with both depression and anxiety. While depression was more common in married people compared to singles, no significant difference was found regarding anxiety. Education level, place of residence and smoking were not associated with anxiety and depression. Conclusion: As a result of our findings, we believe that we should explain to the patients that the frequency of depression and anxiety is significantly associated with low back and neck pain patients and that they should receive health care in order to regulate the mental state of patients with low back and neck pain while treating these diseases, which are common in the society. Keywords: Algology, Low Back, Neck, Anxiety, Depression, Beck