Altered Respiratory Function in Patients With Low Back Pain: A Review Article

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a major musculoskeletal complaint and a multidimensional problem. This study aimed to answer whether patients with LBP have an altered pattern or a reduced rate of respiration compared to healthy people.
Materials and Methods: Two reviewers searched the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases from 2000 to 2020 using the search terms “low back pain” OR “low backache” OR “lumbago” AND “breath” OR “respiration”. The methodological quality of articles generated by the search was appraised using the modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale.
Results: A total of 7 studies were selected for the final review, with two examining respiratory parameters, one investigating the effects of cognitive tasks on respiratory function, two determining the impact of performing a task on respiratory function, and two observing breathing patterns during different tasks.
Conclusion: Respiratory function is sub-optimal in chronic patients with LBP. Thus, respiratory rehabilitation is crucial to managing LBP problems.