Insomnia Can Predict Back Pain in Adults

According to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Haifa and the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, insomnia is a marker for the increased risk of back pain. About 50 percent of back-pain sufferers also complain of insomnia, which increases a person’s sensitivity to pain. Additionally, those suffering are more likely to suffer from spontaneous pain more often (when compared to others without insomnia). This study is the first to show a direct connection between insomnia and back pain. Researchers diagnosed participants’ back pain by using two criteria: confirmation of the patient’s medical records by a doctor’s examination at least once during the previous 12 months, and interviews confirming consistency of back pain for at least three months. Results of the study (conducted from 2003-2011) also found that the chances of those suffering from insomnia and back pain were nearly 150 percent greater compared to those who sleep normally. Among women, the correlation between insomnia and back pain was even higher. “We examined healthy, employed adults, over three periods of time. After controlling for variables like socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and more, we arrived at the conclusion that insomnia is a predicting factor for back pain, though the reverse case is not true,” said one of the study’s researchers. To read more about this study, click here.