Back pain and depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Low back pain is a common disorder that has many consequences. This study is an attempt to meta-analyze the risk of depression symptoms in back pain. Method Four databases were selected for review, and this search was conducted using key words. Eleven eligible articles were selected for review and meta-analysis was conducted. Subgroup analyses were continued with study design and the method of measuring depression. Also, the heterogeneity and publication bias were examined. Results Eleven cohort and cross-sectional articles are used in the meta-analysis between back pain and depressive symptoms. The odds ratio 2.07 was calculated for this relationship. In prospective-cohort studies, 1.71 (95% confidence interval = 1.24–2.36) results indicated that back pain is a risk factor for depression symptoms and in cross-sectional studies, pooled odds ratio (2.33; 95% confidence interval = 1.29–4.21) showed that back pain is associated with depression symptoms. Some degree of publication bias was not found in the study. Conclusions Back pain is an effective factor in increasing the likelihood of depression. Adoption of effective prevention and treatment approaches can play an important role in reducing the psychological consequences in these individuals.