Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the major factors impairing the quality of life and is the most frequent cause of disability. Inadequate water intake is believed to be the predisposing factor for LBP particularly in the younger population. It is commonly seen that the incidence of LBP has been on the rise in people between 20-40 years of age. Thus, the basic aim of this study is to find a potential relationship between dehydration and LBP among young adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from the medical students and practicing doctors of 21-39 years from March-May 2019. Characteristics of pain along with the daily activities of patients were assessed. The severity was assessed by using the Graded Chronic pain scale (GCPS). Results: Out of a total of 426 participants, 84.74% had LBP. Of these, 44.3% complained of having it more than once a week, with duration usually between 1-7 days. More than half of the patients had their routines disturbed because of this pain. Most of the participants complained of an episodic increase in summers. The majority (75.9%, n=274) drank 5-9 glasses of water a day, 64.5% of them were of opinion that their daily water consumption was enough, while 61.5% felt an association between dehydration and LBP. According to the GCPS, one-third of the population had chronic pain of grade I and the other third had grade IV. Conclusion: It can be concluded that with the increase in the pace of life many individuals who belong to the above mentioned age group have a reduced intake of water, and due to a probable relationship between LBP and dehydration, this might be a reason of the increasing propensity of LBP in them. There is a need for further work in this regard.

Highlights

  • Low back pain (LBP) is a severely debilitating condition which impairs quality of life and affects the productivity of an individual

  • In a study published by the World Health Organization (WHO), LBP was recognized as the leading cause of disability[1]

  • A study conducted in Finland suggested it as a frequent problem in adults who are in their 30s, increasing in severity with age, evolving as a non-specific and radiating LBP3, which results in reduced productivity and absence from the workplace[4]

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Summary

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is a severely debilitating condition which impairs quality of life and affects the productivity of an individual. A study conducted in Finland suggested it as a frequent problem in adults who are in their 30s, increasing in severity with age, evolving as a non-specific and radiating LBP3, which results in reduced productivity and absence from the workplace[4]. This is the reason why back pain has emerged as a socioeconomic burden for both the individual and society as a whole[5]. Conclusion: It can be concluded that with the increase in the pace of life many individuals who belong to the above mentioned age group have a reduced intake of water, and due to a probable relationship between LBP and dehydration, this might be a reason of the Invited Reviewers version 1

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