Exploring Gastrointestinal Function, Continence, and Respiratory Patterns in Individuals with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most common health problems worldwide and often affects a person’s daily life and well-being. Recent studies suggest that back pain may not only be linked to muscles and joints but could also be connected to other health issues such as stomach and gut problems, urinary incontinence, and abnormal breathing patterns.The reasons for these links are not yet fully understood. Scientists believe that the nervous system, which connects the brain, gut, and muscles, may play a role. However, only a few studies have looked at how these problems occur together in people with chronic low back pain.This study aims to explore whether people with CLBP also commonly experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, incontinence, and changes in their breathing pattern. To do this, we will use simple questionnaires that ask about stomach issues, urinary symptoms, and breathing difficulties, along with a back pain disability scale.By finding these associations, the research hopes to improve our understanding of how back pain is connected to other health problems. This knowledge could help healthcare providers design better, more holistic treatment approaches that address not just the pain, but also related issues like digestion, bladder control, and breathing.