Examining Racial and Socioeconomic Differences in Chronic Low Back Pain

Racial and Socioeconomic Differences in Chronic Low Back Pain

The purpose of this research study is to gain a better understanding of how people's racial background and socioeconomic status (e.g., income, education, and employment) impact their experiences of chronic low back pain (cLBP).

Inclusion:

• Non-specific cLBP that has persisted for at least 3 months and has resulted in pain on at least half the days in the past 6 months.
• Age 18 - 85; the lower end of this age range was chosen to capture the growing prevalence of young adults with cLBP, and participants over 85 years are increasingly likely to meet one or more exclusion criteria.
• Participants report ethnic group as non-Hispanic and racial group as either Black/African American or White/Caucasian.

Exclusion:

• Low back pain that is attributable to other factors such as ankylosing spondylitis, infection, malignancy, compression fracture of other trauma.
• Systemic rheumatic disease/condition (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, fibromyalgia).
• Any other chronic pain condition that the participant believes to be more prominent or severe than the low back pain.
• A history of clinically significant surgery to the low back within the past year.
• Uncontrolled hypertension (i.e. SBP/DBP of > 150/95), cardiovascular or peripheral arterial disease.
• Poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c > 8%).
• Neurological disease (e.g. Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy).
• Serious psychiatric disorder requiring hospitalization within the past 12 months or characterized by active suicidal ideation.
• Diminished cognitive function that would interfere with understanding of study procedures.