The impact of body perception disturbance on pain and disability in patients with lumbar spinal surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis - longitudinal changes during 3 months postoperatively: A prospective study

Abstract

Objectives

No previous studies have investigated the relationship between body perception disturbance (BPD) and functional outcomes in patients who underwent lumbar spinal surgery. This study prospectively investigated temporal changes in BPD and its relationship with postoperative pain and disability in patients who underwent surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, a total of ninety patients who underwent lumbar spinal surgery at our institution between September 2023 and July 2024 were included. BPD, pain intensity, and disability were assessed by using Fremantle Back Awareness Questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale, and Oswestry Disabilty Index at three time points: preoperatively, at discharge, and 3 months postoperatively.

Results

The results showed a significant decrease in BPD from the preoperative period to 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.05). However, no significant association was observed between BPD and the postoperative pain intensity or disability. Furthermore, high preoperative BPD levels had no significant impact on postoperative outcomes at 3 months.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that BPD significantly improves postoperatively, and that the effects of preoperative BPD on pain and disability are limited. Further studies with extended follow-up periods and the consideration of psychosocial factors are needed to fully understand the long-term effects of BPD on postoperative outcomes.