Effects of lumbar discectomy on disability and depression in patients with chronic low back pain

BACKGROUND Back pain is one of the most prevalent health problems for which physicians are consulted. Back pain has many economic impacts, such as sickness absences and long-term disability. The prevalence of major depression in patients with chronic low back pain is approximately 3 to 4 times greater than the prevalence rate reported in the general population. OBJECTIVES This study was designed to evaluate the depression and disability improvement after lumbar discectomy compared with presurgery levels in patients with chronic low back pain and radicular leg pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS One hundred forty-eight patients with chronic low back pain and radicular leg pain were included in this analytic observational study. The study evaluated several main variables, including age; sex; educational level; job; height; weight; and patient history of abortion, leg pain, back pain, smoking, trauma, number of previous pregnancies, driving, long-term sitting, lifting heavy bodies, and disability and depression before and 6 and 12 months after laminectomy. RESULTS The depression and disability scores of patients before lumbar discectomy significantly decreased after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that lumbar discectomy surgery significantly improved depression and disability in patients with chronic herniated discs.