Back pain and depression often go hand in hand, but it’s not necessarily because the discomfort can limit mobility and lead to the blues. A new study involving twins has found common genetic factors may link low back pain and depression.
The findings — published in the journal Pain, published by the International Association for the Study of Pain —are based on analysis of the medical charts of nearly 2,150 Spanish twins, who provided researchers a unique opportunity to examine genetic, lifestyle, and other factors in the two conditions.
Lead researcher Marina B. Pinheiro, and colleagues of The University of Sydney, Australia, said surveys of genetically identical twins uncovered “a significant association” between symptoms of depression and low back pain. Additional research identified genes that affect neurotransmitters in the brain — such as serotonin and norepinephrine — tied to the risk of both conditions.
"It still remains unclear whether common genetic factors predispose people to develop both low back pain and depression," Pinheiro said, adding that additional studies in which participants are followed over time — preferably twins — are needed to confirm the findings.
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