Genetic Links to Chronic Back Pain Identified in Recent Study
Overview of Chronic Back Pain
Chronic back pain ranks as the leading cause of disability globally. Research indicates that approximately 40% of chronic cases may stem from genetic factors, potentially predisposing individuals to conditions that lead to back pain. While genetics are often viewed as a major contributor, structural changes in the spine, such as the deterioration of fibrous discs, account for only a small fraction of chronic back pain cases. The majority of genetically-related causes may involve unidentified genetic factors affecting pain sensitivity, pain management, or mental health.
Implications of Genetic Understanding
Gaining a deeper insight into the genetic components associated with chronic back pain could pave the way for identifying and addressing the underlying causes of this condition. This understanding may also facilitate the development of more effective treatment options.
Study Details and Findings
Research Methodology
A recent study published in PLOS Genetics examined the genetic data of over 158,000 European patients, both those suffering from chronic back pain and those who do not. Patient information was sourced from 16 databases.
Identification of Gene Variants
The study uncovered three gene variants linked to chronic back pain. Notably, a significant association was found between the SOX5 gene and chronic back pain across the datasets. Individuals with a specific variant of the SOX5 gene were, on average, 8% more likely to experience chronic back pain compared to their peers. Although not statistically significant, associations were also noted with three other gene variants. Two of these variants (DIS3L2 and DCC) appeared to slightly reduce the risk of chronic back pain, while one (CCDC26/GSDMC) seemed to increase this risk.
Additionally, when analyzing one dataset separately, those with the DCC variant were 3% less likely, while those with the CCDC26/GSDMC variant were 5% more likely to develop chronic back pain.
Further Analysis of Genetic Variants
Patients with the SOX5 variant demonstrated a higher likelihood of experiencing disc wear in their lower backs. Further examination suggested that this variant might diminish the mechanisms responsible for maintaining disc integrity. The CCDC26/GSDMC variant was linked to height, hip bone circumference, and prior lower back surgeries, indicating a potential influence on bone maintenance and structure. Conversely, the DCC variant was associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms. Overall, the contribution of genetic factors to chronic back pain was estimated to be around 8%.
Future Research Directions
Need for Broader Studies
The study’s findings highlight three gene variants related to chronic back pain. Alongside confirming existing knowledge about the genetics of disc degeneration, the results suggest that height, hip size, bone maintenance, and depression may influence the causes of chronic back pain.
As the analyzed sample population was exclusively of European descent, further studies involving diverse racial and ethnic groups could enhance understanding of these genetic contributions. Moreover, since the definition of chronic back pain varied among the databases—some defining it as pain lasting three months or more, while others specified six months or more—future research could benefit from analyzing these groups separately. Additionally, further clarification regarding the pain’s location (e.g., lower versus upper back) could provide more insight into the genetic factors influencing the condition.
Reference
Suri, P. et al. (2018). Genome-wide meta-analysis of 158,000 individuals of European ancestry identifies three loci associated with chronic back pain. PLoS Genet 14(9): e1007601. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1007601