Balance Disorders and Pain: An Analysis Based on the 2003-2004 NHANES Survey After Propensity Score Matching.

Purpose: Using a statistical approach to causal inference, to test the association between balance disorders and pain, providing a higher level of evidence. Methods Analysis of the Prevalence of Balance Disorders and Pain Based on NHANES Data To analyze the difference between the prevalence of pain in the balance disorder population and the balance population, logistic analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of the effect of balance disorder on pain. Differences between groups and odds ratios were then calculated after propensity score matching of the two groups according to demographic characteristics. Results The weighted prevalence of balance disorders was 26.09%, and the weighted prevalence of pain, neck pain, and low back pain was 48.25%, 22.63%, and 39.22%, respectively. The prevalence of pain, neck pain, and low back pain was higher in the pre- and post-matched pain disorder group than in the balanced group(Before PSM, pain, 605(71.94%) VS 1070(48.09%), 95%CI ,20.17–27.53%. After PSM, pain, 605(71.94%) VS 409(48.63%), 95%CI, 18.76–27.85%). Multifactorial logistic regression, controlling for other variables, showing pain odds ratios associated with balance disorders (Before PSM, OR, 2.61, 95%CI, 2.192 to 3.110, p < 0.001. After PSM, OR, 2.747, 95%CI, 2.240 to 3.370, p < 0.001). Conclusion In the U.S. adult population over the age of 40, those with balance disorders had more pain, neck pain, and low back pain than those without balance disorders; there is a strong association between balance problems and pain. Balance is a risk factor for pain.