Vol. 1, Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) remains one of the leading causes of work disability worldwide, with psychosocial factors increasingly recognized as key determinants of rehabilitation outcomes among employed individuals. This study investigates the impact of psychosocial stressors such as job strain, emotional distress, low workplace support, and fear-avoidance beliefs on recovery rates among workers enrolled in structured rehabilitation programs for CLBP. A total of 120 workers were categorized into low-stress and high-stress groups based on standardized psychosocial assessment scores. Rehabilitation outcomes, including improvement in disability (Oswestry Disability Index), pain reduction (NPRS), return-to-work (RTW) timelines, and treatment adherence, were monitored longitudinally. Statistical analyses revealed substantial differences between groups, with low-stress workers demonstrating significantly greater functional improvements, higher pain reduction, and faster RTW outcomes compared to high-stress workers. A strong negative association was observed between psychosocial stress scores and disability improvement, indicating that stress exerts a dose-dependent influence on recovery trajectories. High-stress workers also displayed lower adherence to rehabilitation sessions, suggesting that emotional and cognitive stress responses may undermine engagement with treatment activities. These findings highlight the essential role of psychosocial determinants in shaping therapeutic outcomes and emphasize the need for rehabilitation programs to integrate targeted psychological support alongside physical therapy. Practical recommendations derived from the study include routine psychosocial screening, cognitive-behavioral interventions, stress-management training, enhanced patient education, and coordinated employer engagement to reduce workplace strain and support gradual return-to-work planning. Overall, the study underscores the multidimensional nature of CLBP and affirms that addressing psychosocial stressors is critical for optimizing recovery, improving adherence, and achieving sustainable functional restoration in working populations affected by chronic low back pain.