Webmed report the obvious:
Researchers say that people with low back pain are at increased risk for chronic problems if they are in poor general health or have psychiatric illnesses. Additional predictors of future chronic pain include impairment in performing activities of daily living and difficulty coping with pain.
Poor pain coping behaviors include avoidance of work, movement, or other activities out of fear the activities will damage or worsen the back. The researchers also say that some patients tend to have “excessively negative thoughts and statements about the future,” which allows them to rationalize reasons to avoid physical activity or ignore the recommendations of their doctors.
