The Effect of Low Back Pain on Daily Activities and Sleep Quality in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of low back pain on the daily activities and sleep quality of patients with lumbar disc herniation. This cross-sectional study was performed between January and July 2015 in 77 patients. A visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used for patient assessment. The mean (SD) ODI score was 58.84 (9.51), and the mean (SD) VAS score of patients was 73.26 (24.37) mm. The VAS and ODI scores increased with age. This disability was mainly observed during weight lifting (67.6%), walking (48.1%), and standing (50.7%). A positive correlation was found between VAS score and ODI (r = 0.49, P < .001) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (r = 0.23, P = .039) scores. In patients with lumbar disc herniation, disability in activities of daily living and sleep quality are directly affected by low back pain and increase with pain intensity. Findings of this study provide useful information for healthcare professionals.