Does Combining the <scp>STarT</scp> Back Tool With a Polygenic Risk Score for Chronic Low Back Pain Improve Prediction of Work Disability Over 2 Years?

This study is the first to combine a polygenic risk score for chronic back pain with a clinical screening tool to assess work disability outcomes. It demonstrates that genetic and psychosocial risk capture distinct aspects of vulnerability, and that their integration improves risk stratification. These findings add to the growing evidence supporting personalized approaches in pain management and highlight the potential utility of genetic data in early assessment of disabling back pain.