Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/ijphrd.v11i11.11362Keywords:
Musculoskeletal pain, Neck Pain, Back pain, Prevalence, Risk factorsAbstract
Background: Musculoskeletal pain is a major health concern that is managed by physiotherapists across
the country. Over the past decade, with increased urbanization, advances in technology and an increase in
sedentary life styles there has been an advent in risk factors related to the incidence of musculoskeletal
problems particularly back and neck pain. In order to better manage and address these problems within the
current healthcare delivery system, it is important to objectively determine the spectrum of MS pain, their
prevalence and associated lifestyle risk factors in an urban population.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of back and neck pain and its related risk factors in an urban
population.
Methodology: A survey questionnaire was used to obtain data regarding prevalence and related risk factors
of such pain from the participants.
Results: 46% of the sample reported musculoskeletal pain: low back (36%), neck (35%) followed by, Upper
back (13%), arms (7%), legs (7%) and head (2%). Participants living in urban slums reported more pain
(58%) than those living in urban areas (44%). Interestingly, pain prevalence was greater in young adults
(more than 50%) than the in elderly, and pain was not associated with risk factors, like sleeping surface used,
pillow, sleeping position, and medications.
Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pains, predominantly back pain remain a major problem. A poor association
between pain and traditional risk factors, such sleeping surface, use of pillow, sleeping position was found.