Family History of Low Back Pain is Associated with occurrence of Low Back Pain, Poor Quality of Life, and Lumbar Morphometric Changes: A Cross-Sectional Study

The relationship between family history of low back pain (LBP), health status and spinal radiological features is unclear yet important. From December 2021 to July 2024, this cross-sectional study analyzed 811 participants (392 without and 419 with a family history of LBP) to explore the relationship between family history of LBP, LBP intensity, disability (Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire [RMDQ]), life quality (the Short Form-36 [SF-36]) and morphological changes (intervertebral disc degeneration [IDD], facet joint degeneration [FJD], modic changes [MDs], and Spondylolisthesis), using logistic and linear regression models. Results indicated family history of LBP was significantly associated with a higher odds of LBP (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.42, 2.57, p < 0.01), lower quality of life (B -3.52, 95% CI -5.79, -1.25, p < 0.01), more severe intervertebral disc (B 0.53, 95% CI 0.13, 0.93, p = 0.01) and facet joint degeneration (B 0.41, 95% CI 0.14, 0.69, p < 0.01) than those without, especially if multiple family members were affected(LBP risk: OR 3.41; SF36:B -7.03; IDD:B 0.92; FJD:B 0.76; all p < 0.01). In conclusion, a family history of LBP, especially involving multiple relatives, correlates with increased LBP prevalence, poorer quality of life, and more severe spinal degeneration.