Abstract
This study aimed to estimate the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine on low back pain (LBP) intensity, prevalence, and associated risk factors among adults in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). A total of 463 adults (259 males and 204 females) aged between 18 and 64 years and residing in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-administered structured questionnaire composed of 20 questions regarding demographic characteristics, work- and academic-related aspects, physical activity (PA), daily habits and tasks, and pain-related aspects was used. The LBP point prevalence before the quarantine was 38.8%, and 43.8% after the quarantine. The LBP intensity significantly increased during the quarantine. The low back was also the most common musculoskeletal pain area. Furthermore, during the quarantine, a significantly higher LBP intensity was reported by those individuals who (a) were aged between 35 and 49 years old, (b) had a body mass index equal to or exceeding 30, (c) underwent higher levels of stress, (d) did not comply with the ergonomic recommendations, (e) were sitting for long periods, (f) did not practice enough physical activity (PA), and (g) underwent teleworking or distance learning. No significant differences were found between genders. The COVID-19 quarantine resulted in a significant increase in LBP intensity, point prevalence, and most associated risk factors.
Highlights
The problems associated with low back pain (LBP) represent a major concern for public health authorities, as well as for the general population in developed countries [1]
The inclusion criteria were (a) being aged between 18 and 64 years; (b) did not suffer from chronic psychological, physiological, or psychosomatic conditions; (c) were not hospitalized during the pandemic; (d) were a resident in Saudi Arabia; (e) stayed in Riyadh before and during the quarantine decreed by the Saudi authorities
The curfew decreed by the Saudi authorities implied the adoption of certain legal and institutional measures and mobility restrictions, which has impacted population habits and lifestyles
Summary
The problems associated with low back pain (LBP) represent a major concern for public health authorities, as well as for the general population in developed countries [1]. It has been estimated that the LBP prevalence ranges from 1.4 to 20.0% [2]. LBP is, the most common cause of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in certain regions [3], and it causes significant problems in both the personal and professional lives of individuals. This includes sleeping disorders, disability, invalidity, work absenteeism, lack of productivity, and difficulties in carrying out the profession chosen by each worker [4]. In Western countries, it has been estimated that the costs of back pain range between
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