Nonspecific Low Back Pain in Association With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction. Nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP) is a very prevalent medical condition, especially in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The diaphragm is a respiratory muscle, but it takes part in trunk stabilization on lumbar spine. NSLBP is related to lack of spinal control. The COPD symptoms include lack of efficiency in diaphragm, which could be connected to NSLBP. Hypothesis and objectives. COPD can contribute to NSLBP. It is associated with diaphragm weakness, severity of respiratory function, lower level of physical activity and quality of life in COPD. Methods. A descriptive observational cross-sectional study was conducted with two groups: the first one with subjects with COPD and the second one with subjects without it. Data were collected on: pulmonary function; respiratory muscles strength; trunk postural control; quality of life with COPD; physical activity level; lumbar pain presence, intensity and disability. Data were collected in a single session.