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. 2017 Sep 1;72(9):1264-1269.
doi: 10.1093/gerona/glw227.

A Prospective Study of Back Pain and Risk of Falls Among Older Community-dwelling Men

Lynn M Marshall  1 , Stephanie Litwack-Harrison  2 , Una E Makris  3   4 , Deborah M Kado  5   6 , Peggy M Cawthon  2 , Richard A Deyo  7 , Nels L Carlson  1 , Michael C Nevitt  8 ; Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS) Research Group
Affiliations

A Prospective Study of Back Pain and Risk of Falls Among Older Community-dwelling Men

Lynn M Marshall et al. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. .

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is associated with increased fall risk among older men. However, the association of back pain, the most prevalent type of pain in this population, and fall risk is unknown.

Methods: We conducted a prospective investigation among 5,568 community-dwelling U.S. men at least 65 years of age from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study (MrOS). Baseline questionnaires inquired about back pain and its location (such as low back), severity, and frequency in the past year. During 1 year of follow-up, falls were summed from self-reports obtained every 4 months. Outcomes were recurrent falls (≥2 falls) and any fall (≥1 fall). Associations of back pain and fall risk were estimated with risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from multivariable log-binomial regression models adjusted for age, dizziness, arthritis, knee pain, urinary symptoms, self-rated health, central nervous system medication use, and instrumental activities of daily living.

Results: Most (67%) reported any back pain in the past year. During follow-up, 11% had recurrent falls and 25% fell at least once. Compared with no back pain, any back pain was associated with elevated recurrent fall risk (multivariable RR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1, 1.5). Multivariable RRs for 1, 2, and 3+ back pain locations were, respectively, 1.2 (95% CI: 1.0, 1.5), 1.4 (1.1, 1.8), and 1.7 (95% CI: 1.3, 2.2). RRs were also elevated for back pain severity and frequency. Back pain was also associated with risk of any fall.

Conclusions: Among older men, back pain is independently associated with increased fall risk.

Keywords: Cohort studies; Epidemiology; Public health; Risk factors.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Risk ratios (RRs) for recurrent falls in relation to back pain among older men: final model estimates. RR point estimates are represented as: (●) any back pain in the past 12 months, (□) number of pain sites in the back, (♦) pain severity, (▲) pain frequency, and (×) activity liming back pain. Error bars are 95% confidence intervals. RRs are adjusted for age, dizziness, history of arthritis, knee pain, LUTS, self-rated health, difficulty with ≥ 1 IADL, and CNS-active medication use.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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