Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal pain is a major health concern that is managed by physiotherapists acrossthe country. Over the past decade, with increased urbanization, advances in technology and an increase insedentary life styles there has been an advent in risk factors related to the incidence of musculoskeletalproblems particularly back and neck pain. In order to better manage and address these problems within thecurrent healthcare delivery system, it is important to objectively determine the spectrum of MS pain, theirprevalence 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 urbanpopulation.Methodology: A survey questionnaire was used to obtain data regarding prevalence and related risk factorsof such pain from the participants.Results: 46% of the sample reported musculoskeletal pain: low back (36%), neck (35%) followed by, Upperback (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 associationbetween pain and traditional risk factors, such sleeping surface, use of pillow, sleeping position was found.