PSYCHOLOGICAL COPING STRATEGIES AMONG POST-SURGERY POSTERIOR LUMBAR INTERBODY FUSION PATIENTS: PREDICTIVE VALUES ON PAIN AND FUNCTIONING OUTCOMES

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2020

Abstract

An increasing number of studies have shown an influence of psychological factors on physical health outcomes post lumbar surgery. One general category of psychosocial factors related to successful spine surgery convalescence is coping strategy. Purpose: To examine which of the most commonly used coping strategies predict short-term post posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) success, via two physical health outcomes of pain, low back pain and lower back functionality. Study design/Setting: A prospective, cross-sectional survey design with selfreport data conducted at an orthopedic clinic in the southern United States. Patient sample: Adult patients who underwent PLIF at three months post-surgery. Methods: During follow-up patients completed questionnaires on demographic characteristics, physical and psychological health measures, including coping strategies. Hierarchical regression models were conducted to assess the predictive values of coping strategies on the physical health outcomes, LBP and lower back functioning. Results: Sample was majority White (86%), with no history of diabetes (79%) or heart disease (93%). Mean age was just over 65 years. Mean ODI score was 19.5, or a 39% disability rating; mean VAS score was 4.3 indicating mild-to-moderate pain. In the regression analysis, none of the seven coping strategies were significant predictors of VAS score. (p>0.05). The coping strategy, emotional support seeking, demonstrated significant predictive value of ODI score (p=0.02). Conclusions: The findings provided preliminary evidence of the importance of emotional support seeking in managing lower back functioning and/or disability soon after PLIF. Future research should further explore of the effects of specific coping strategies on PLIF outcomes longitudinally.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Pain Perspectives on Acute and Chronic Pain

First Page

55

Last Page

70

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