Low Back Pain Factors Research Articles

Genetically predicted causal effects of gut microbiota on spinal pain: a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

Observational studies have hinted at a correlation between the gut microbiota and spinal pain (SP). However, the impact of the gut microbiota on SP remains inconclusive. In this study, we employed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and SP, encompassing neck pain (NP), thoracic spine pain (TSP), low back pain (LBP), and back pain (BP). The compiled gut microbiota data originated from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) conducted by the MiBioGen consortium (n = 18,340). Summary data for NP were sourced from the UK Biobank, TSP from the FinnGen Biobank, and LBP from both the UK Biobank and FinnGen Biobank. Summary data for BP were obtained from the UK Biobank. The primary analytical approach for assessing causal relationships was the Inverse Variance Weighted (IVW) method, supplemented by various sensitivity analyses to ensure result robustness. The IVW analysis unveiled 37 bacterial genera with a potential causal relationship to SP. After Benjamini-Hochberg corrected test, four bacterial genera emerged with a strong causal relationship to SP. Specifically, Oxalobacter (OR: 1.143, 95% CI 1.061-1.232, P = 0.0004) and Tyzzerella 3 (OR: 1.145, 95% CI 1.059-1.238, P = 0.0007) were identified as risk factors for LBP, while Ruminococcaceae UCG011 (OR: 0.859, 95% CI 0.791-0.932, P = 0.0003) was marked as a protective factor for LBP, and Olsenella (OR: 0.893, 95% CI 0.839-0.951, P = 0.0004) was recognized as a protective factor for low back pain or/and sciatica. No significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was observed through alternative testing methods. This study establishes a causal relationship between the gut microbiota and SP, shedding light on the "gut-spine" axis. These findings offer novel perspectives for understanding the etiology of SP and provide a theoretical foundation for potential interventions targeting the gut microbiota to prevent and treat SP.

Workplace Psychosocial Factors, Work Organization, and Physical Exertion as Risk Factors for Low Back Pain Among US Workers: Data From the 2015 National Health Interview Survey.

To evaluate the association between workplace psychosocial, organization, and physical risk factors with low back pain (LBP) among US workers. 2015 National Health Interview Survey data were analyzed to calculate the prevalence rates and prevalence ratios for LBP across levels of workplace psychosocial and organizational risk factors among 17,464 US adult workers who worked ≥20 hours per week. Results were also stratified by workplace physical exertion. The adjusted prevalence rates of LBP were significantly elevated for workers reporting high job demand, low job control, work-family imbalance, bullying, job insecurity, working alternate shifts, and physical exertion. Job control and nonstandard shifts were significantly associated with LBP only among those who reported low/no physical exertion. LBP prevalence was associated with select workplace psychosocial and organization risk factors. Stratification by physical exertion modified multiple associations.

An investigation into the frequency and risk factors of low back pain following surgical treatment of isolated calcaneal fractures.

This study aimed to determine the frequency of low back pain after calcaneal fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and the risk factors that cause this condition. Thirty-one patients (27 males and 4 females) who underwent surgery for a unilateral calcaneal fracture between 2016 and 2020 and had no complaints of low back pain before fracture surgery were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups: those who developed low back pain after the operation and those who did not. Patients were evaluated with the Life Quality Short Form SF-36, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and American Orthopedic Foot-Ankle Association Score (AOFAS). Sanders' fracture type, joint range of motion (ROM) measurements of injured and uninjured limbs, maximal isometric muscle strength measurements, balance on 1 leg with pedobarographic measurements, and walking time were evaluated. The obtained data were compared among the 2 groups. Low back pain was observed in 71% of the patients and was detected after an average of 6 months from the operation. In ODI, 59.1% of the patients reported that low back pain limited their lives slightly. Patients with low back pain have lower AOFAS scores and worse SF-36 physical functionality than those without low back pain (P < .001, P=.016). Balance time on 1 foot in pedobarographic measurements, foot in ROM, ankle in ankle active, passive plantar flexion, inversion, active hip, passive internal, external rotation, muscle is the foot eversion force. In these measurements, the values of the injured side are intact. It was statistically significantly lower than the other side (interaction P < .1). Low back pain may occur after unilateral calcaneal fractures treated by ORIF. This may be caused by decreased angles of ankle dorsi and plantar flexion, foot inversion, hip abduction, and internal and external rotation. In the rehabilitation program, not only the ankle region but also the hip joint of the affected side should be included, and the kinetic chain that describes the interaction mechanism of the human body should not be forgotten. Level IV, Prognostic Study.

A survey about the awareness among the physiotherapists in the use of Matrix Rhythm Therapy in treating chronic low back pain in post-menopausal women

BackgroundMenopause is a stage in a woman's physiology where several chronic illnesses begin to appear, compromising both the quality and quantity of their life. It has been postulated that a decrease in estrogen levels in women may be important for accelerated disc degeneration in postmenopausal women. The overall prevalence of LBP is 52% higher in perimenopausal women with osteoporosis which is considered to be one of the predominant factors for low back pain in women.There are many modalities like Interferential therapy, ultrasound therapy, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, that treat nonspecific back pain with varying results, some advanced electrotherapy modalities like shockwave, low-level laser therapy, Matrix Rhythm Therapy (MaRhyThe) also proved to be effective in reducing the nonspecific chronic low back pain.Matrix Rhythm Therapy was invented by Dr. Med. Ulrich Randoll (1987–1999) at the University of Erlangen, Germany. Matrix Rhythm Therapy includes a wand with a resonating head that oscillates at the frequency of 8-–12 Hz and is connected to the machine with a connecting cable (U.G Randoll p18 The Principles of Matrix Rhythm Therapy – MaRhyThe 3rd edition 2015).ObjectiveThe main objective of this survey study is to investigate awareness among physiotherapists in the use of Matrix Rhythm Therapy in treating chronic low back pain in post-menopausal women.MethodsFor this study, Google Forms were distributed to physiotherapists of diverse area specializations through social media. The survey was carried out between 16th December 2022 to 18th April 2023.ResultsOut of 103 responses which is 10% of the total sample size, 69.9% of the physiotherapists were aware of Matrix Rhythm Therapy whereas 30.1% were not aware of the same. Meanwhile, when it comes to treating chronic low back pain in post-menopausal women, only 49.5% of the physiotherapists say that the condition can be treated with Matrix Rhythm Therapy, the rest of the 28.2% are not aware and 11.7% are not sure if the condition can be treated with the same.ConclusionIn conclusion, these findings show that implementing or using Matrix Rhythm Therapy as a physical therapy intervention in treating chronic low back pain is woefully inadequate, despite Physical therapists and clinicians recognizing the need for or usage of matrix rhythm therapy, they also must maintain a consistent interest and commitment to effectively employ Matrix Rhythm Therapy for clinical conditions and active research.

Obesity and overweight as risk factors for low back pain in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis.

Childhood obesity and overweight are associated with musculoskeletal pain, but the association between low back pain (LBP) and overweight/obesity in this population needs clarification. The objective of this meta-analysis is to ascertain the relationship between LBP and obesity/overweight in children and adolescents. Various databases and specialized journals were queried from inception to October 2022. Encompassed were all studies examining the association between overweight or obesity and LBP among participants aged 6 to 18 years. The ROBINS-E tool was employed to assess bias. Random-effects models were used to pool results across studies, with location-scale models used to search for moderator variables where evidence of heterogeneity was found. In total, 34 studies were incorporated. Four studies had a low risk of bias, while the remaining studies had some concerns. Nine studies evinced an association between overweight and LBP, in contrast to normal weight, yielding an OR of 1.13 (95% CI 1.10-1.16) and no heterogeneity. Eight studies demonstrated a similar association between obesity and LBP compared to normal weight, with an OR of 1.27 (95% CI 1.20-1.34) and no heterogeneity. Ten studies established an association between overweight/obesity and LBP compared to normal weight, yielding an OR of 1.18 (95% CI 1.14-1.23) and no heterogeneity. Finally, nineteen studies showcased an association between body mass index (BMI) and LBP, with an OR of 1.19 (95% CI 1.03-1.39) with evidence of heterogeneity. For this last analysis, we compared the mean BMI in groups and transformed results to log OR, and then retransformed to OR. Overweight and obesity may be risk factors for LBP in children and adolescents. The association between LBP and obesity appears to be stronger than with overweight. However, the analysis revealed considerable heterogeneity and risk of bias across studies.

Risk factors for low back pain after iliac vein stenting for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions

ObjectiveIliac vein stenting is an option being explored to treat chronic venous insufficiency. We have noted that our most common postoperative complication is low back pain after stent placement, which is occasionally quite severe. We wanted to investigate risk factors that are involved in this phenomenon and identify potentially modifiable factors. MethodsPatients who failed 3 months of conservative therapy had iliac vein interrogation performed. We limited the scope of this database to non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions treated in the office in which Wallstents were placed. Data were collected from September 2012 to August 2020 for 2308 consecutive outpatients who underwent 3747 procedures. Before August 2016, patients received pre-procedure oral valium (n = 2679) and thereafter, patients received intravenous (IV) sedation (n = 1068). A pain score, on a Likert scale ranging from 0 to 10, was assessed within 1 hour postoperatively. We analyzed the medications administered and correlated them with pain scores. ResultsThe average of all the pain scores was 0.86 (range, 0-10; standard deviation [SD], 2.00). Age had a slight inverse effect on pain scores (r = −0.12; P < .00001). Presenting signs (based upon CEAP) (P = .11) and body mass index (P = .88) did not have a significant effect on pain scores. Average pain score for females (0.96) was slightly higher than for males (0.70), with P < .0001. Average pain score for procedures on the right side (0.67) was lower than for procedures on the left side (1.01), with P < .0001. Average pain score for patients who received IV sedation (mean, 0.68; SD, 1.58) was lower than that for those who did not (mean, 0.93; SD, 2.15), with P = .0004. When using a single agent, propofol was associated with the lowest pain scores (P < .0001). Toradol displayed a dose-dependent effect on pain score (P < .0001). The best combination of agents for pain control was propofol and toradol together. ConclusionsOverall, the vast majority of pain scores were low. Factors that were associated with lower pain scores were older age, male sex, procedures on the right side, and IV sedation, in particular with the use of propofol. These data may help us better target patients anticipated to have high pain scores and suggest the preferential use of propofol and toradol.

Risk factors for low back pain following percutaneous vertebroplasty in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture.

To investigate the occurrence and risk factors for low back pain post-percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 148 OVCF patients treated from March 2020 to 2023. The incidence of low back pain post-PVP was recorded, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated risk factors. Low back pain occurred in 34 out of 148 patients (22.97%). Logistic regression identified age (>75) (P=0.039), number of fractured vertebrae (≥2) (P=0.004), presence of lumbar spine comorbidity (P=0.019), emotional status (P=0.006), site of fracture (P=0.006), and preoperative fascial injury (P=0.039) as independent risk factors influencing the development of low back pain after PVP in OVCF patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that age (>75), number of fractured vertebrae (≥2), lumbar spine comorbidities, and site of fracture had area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.626, 0.614, 0.623, and 0.667, respectively, in predicting low back pain post-PVP. Age, number of fractured vertebrae, presence of lumbar spine comorbidities, emotional status, site of fracture, and preoperative fascial injury are significant independent risk factors for the occurrence of low back pain after PVP in patients with OVCF. These findings are crucial for alleviating postoperative low back pain and provide valuable insight for postoperative pain management.

Quantitative evaluation of risk factors for low back pain in young patients using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging and proton density fat fraction analyses

Quantitative evaluation of risk factors for low back pain in young patients using synthetic magnetic resonance imaging and proton density fat fraction analyses

Low back pain frequency and the related risk factors in nurses and caregivers.

The objective of this study is to investigate the frequency of low back pain and the relationship between low back pain and personal and occupational risk factors in hospital employees. The study sample consisted of 270 nurses and 189 caregivers working in a university hospital. Demographic characteristics, low back pain history, and low back pain risk factors were queried by self-report questionnaires. The Biering-Sorensen Test was used to evaluate the endurance of trunk extensor muscles. Also, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used. Of the hospital employees included in the study, 56.5% had low back pain in the last month, and 81.9% had a his-tory of low back pain. The frequency of low back pain was significantly higher among those who work in a stressful working environment, stand for extended periods, lift patients or heavy subjects without using a lifting device, and transfer patients alone. In addition, it was determined that those who exercise regularly and are satisfied with their job had significantly less low back pain (p<0.05). The mean Biering-Sorensen test difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p<0.001). There was a significant difference between the groups with and without low back pain in terms of HADS-Anxiety and HADS-Depression subscale scores. The study findings indicated that being a hospital worker is a risk factor for low back pain, and the decrease in the strength and endurance of the lower back muscles increases the risk of low back pain.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain Among Healthcare Workers in Asia

Intorduction: Low Back Pain is a musculoskeletal disorder and not a disease. Among healthcare workers (HCw), this is the disorder they experience most often, and knowledge about the prevalence of of low back pain (LBP) and its risk factors among healthcare workers is important to determine appropriate training for them The purpose of this study was to identify the magnitude of low back pain (LBP) problems in HCw as well as to determine which risk factors are determinants. Method: This study used a systematic review via meta-analysis guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Results: Through a search of 13 articles from several countries in Asia, which analyzed 5753 respondents (1080 or 18.8% were males and 4673 or 81.2% were females), the average prevalence of LBP was 58.1%. This value was calculated without estimating the time span of its occurrence. If this range was calculated, of the 11 articles that calculated the lifetime incidence of LBP, the average was 60%. The risk factors were manual patient removal, heavy object lifting, sex, age, stress, type of work, workplace environment, and work duration. Conclusion: This study found a high prevalence, and there are still many risk factors for LBP that require special attention. Healthcare workers are advised to pay attention to ergonomics and working behavior, while hospital leaders are advised to conduct training on the risk factors of LBP.

Health and economic burden of low back pain and rheumatoid arthritis attributable to smoking in 192 countries and territories in 2019.

Smoking is a risk factor for low back pain (LBP) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to estimate the global health and economic burden of LBP and RA attributable to smoking. This was a cross-sectional study. The study was conducted in 192 countries and territories. Prevalent cases of LBP and RA were used, extracted from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries and Risk Factors Study 2019 data repositories. Smoking-attributable health and economic burden was estimated with the population-attributable fraction method. Smoking-attributable prevalence of LBP and RA and health-care costs were estimated for patients of all ages, whereas years lived with disability (YLDs) and productivity losses due to morbidity were estimated for patients aged 15-84 years. Uncertainty intervals (UIs) of the results were obtained by repeating the analysis with the lower and upper bounds of all input variables. Globally, smoking accounted for 84.5 million (UI = 56.7-120.2 million) prevalent cases of LBP, 1.8 million (UI = 0.5-3.4 million) prevalent cases of RA and 11.3 million (UI = 6.2-18.5 million) YLDs, which represented 1.5% of all-cause YLDs in the working-age population aged 15-84 years in 2019. Health-care costs and productivity losses of smoking-attributable LBP and RA cost the global economy purchasing-power parity $326.0 billion (UI = $184.0-521.4 billion), representing 0.2% of the global gross domestic product. Specifically, smoking accounted for $65.8 billion (UI = $38.0-101.2 billion) in health-care costs world-wide, with more than half [$39.8 billion (UI = $23.1-61.3 billion), 60.6%] borne by the public sector. Smoking also contributed to $260.3 billion (UI = $146.0-420.3 billion) in productivity losses globally. Approximately 60.0% of the global YLDs were observed in middle-income countries, whereas 84.4% of health-care costs and 72.7% of productivity losses were borne by high-income countries. Globally, in 2019, smoking accounted for more than 11.0 million years lived with disability and purchasing-power parity $326.0 billion in economic losses due to low back pain and rheumatoid arthritis. Middle-income countries suffered more morbidity, whereas high-income countries experienced larger economic losses.

IDENTIFIKASI FAKTOR RISIKO KEJADIAN LOW BACK PAIN PADA PEKERJA INDUSTRI KATERING

Background: Low back pain is pain that is felt in the affected anatomical area with various variations in the duration of pain. This pain is felt in the lumbar or lumbo-sacral region. Occupational diseases caused by non-ergonomic conditions include musculoskeletal disorders. Food industry workers are at risk of low back pain due to their activities such as bending, lifting and carrying heavy loads for a long time and repetitively. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine the relationship of position and length of work of ketring business workers to the incidence of LBP. Methods: searches are conducted through Google Scholars, PubMed, Cochrane Library, ResearchGate and Science Direct. Obtained 30 journals that contain the topic of low back pain in catering industry workers. Results: from 30 journals, 12 cross-sectional studies, 7 systematic Reviews, 4 literature reviews, 5 cohort studies, 1 meta-analysis, and 1 case-control study were obtained. Discussion: LBP occurs due to the biomechanics of the lumbar vertebrae due to changes in body weight points with compensation for changes in body position and will cause pain. Muscle strain and spinal ligament sprain are among the main causes of LBP. lifting positions that are less ergonomic and repetitive in the long term are causing complaints of low back pain in ketring workers. Conclusion: the risk factors for low back Pain (LBP) in workers in the mining industry are caused by several factors such as position and posture when working which tend to be static and repetitive, old age workers, workers with excess weight. Keywords: Risk factor, LBP, worker, kitchen, catering

Risk Factors for Low Back Pain Among Rubber Factory Workers

&#x0D; Low back pain (LBP) significantly impacts Indonesian workers, including those in Jambi's rubber processing factories. This study, involving 102 respondents, used a cross-sectional design to identify LBP-associated factors. Statistical analysis found significant correlations: age (p-value 0.000, PR 1.83), years of service (p-value 0.000, PR 3.50), workload (p-value 0.000, PR 6.00), work attitude (p-value 0.000, PR 0.06), BMI (p-value 0.005, PR 1.20), and smoking (p-value 0.000, PR 2.42) with LBP complaints. Medical history had no significant association (p-value 0.351, PR 1.13). LBP complaints in rubber factory workers may be triggered by factors such as advancing age, length of service, heavy workloads, suboptimal work attitudes, abnormal BMI, and smoking habits.&#x0D;

Determining the Predominant Risk Factor of Low Back Pain Among Pre-Menopausal and Post-Menopausal Women

Low back pain is a widely observed and complex illness that substantially influences the quality of life for women between the ages of 40 and 60, both before and after menopause. It is vital to comprehend the primary risk factors linked to low back pain among this particular demographic in order to avoid and manage this condition effectively. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the primary risk variables associated with the occurrence of low back pain in women between the ages of 40 and 60, both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal. The research employed various methodologies. The study involved a group of 50 women who were carefully chosen based on precise inclusion criteria using purposive sampling. Exclusions were made for those who had disabilities, were pregnant, exhibited cognitive impairments, had neurological problems, experienced recent trauma within the preceding 6 months, or presented with orthopaedic concerns. The data-gathering process encompassed the administration of a comprehensive questionnaire encompassing various domains, including demographic information, BMI calculations, work-related factors, health-related factors, and psychological aspects. All participants provided informed consent. The findings of the investigation unveiled multiple risk variables that are linked to the occurrence of low back pain within this particular demographic. The variables considered in the study encompassed body mass index (BMI) classification, daily work length, general health status, pre-existing health conditions, referred pain, prior instances of low back pain, and psychological concerns such as stress, anxiety, and depression. In conclusion, this research study offers significant insights into the key risk factors associated with the occurrence of low back pain in women between the ages of 40 and 60, both before and after menopause. The results of this study can provide valuable insights for developing preventative strategies and interventions that target the reduction of both the occurrence and consequences of this debilitating ailment within the specified group, ultimately improving their overall well-being.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain among the Clinical Students of the College of Health Sciences in Bayero University Kano

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) is a common disorder that is identified to be the major cause of disability, affecting performance at work and general well-being. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among clinical students of the College of Health Sciences at Bayero University Kano.&#x0D; Method and Materials: A total of 191 clinical students were recruited in this study, the subjects were drawn from the College of Health Sciences at Bayero University Kano. A self-administered questionnaire was administered after which the physical characteristics of the participants were measured and recorded. Data collected was summarized using descriptive statistics and analyzed using inferential statistics of chi-square to test the association between the risk factor variables and low back pain.&#x0D; Results: The study determined the 12months prevalence, 1month prevalence, 7days prevalence, and point prevalence to be 44.4%, 28.9%, 22.5% and 48.1% respectively among the clinical students and a significant association (p&lt; 0.05) was found between Low back pain, age and course of study.&#x0D; Conclusion: Low back pain appears to be a common problem among college students. Therefore, the students should be aware of the risk factors, appropriate preventive measures and treatment of low back pain to reduce the risks of getting it.

Greater number of weekly stairs climbed is associated with lower low back pain prevalence among female but not male physical therapists.

Certain cardiovascular health benefits of stair climbing are now widely accepted, but no prior studies have as yet been found linking the quantity of stairs climbed to low back pain (LBP) morbidity. Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal impairment, and research has begun to show an association between LBP and gluteus maximus (GM) weakness. With stair climbing being the activity which most activates GM, the aim of the present research was to assess the relationship between stair ambulation and LBP prevalence. The hypothesis of this cross-sectional study was that individuals with LBP would report a significantly lower numbers of stair flights climbed compared with individuals without LBP. A survey tool was developed and distributed via email to a convenience sample of orthopedic physical therapists. Survey items included information regarding medical history, physical activity, workplace, and LBP factors, using a one-year prevalence period. A total of 363 respondents took the survey and, after application of exclusion criteria, 248 records remained in our final sample. When analyzing all genders together, non LBP (NLBP) respondents reported a mean of 51.62 flights climbed per week; and LBP respondents reported 37.82 flights climbed per week, with P = 0.077. When males and females were analyzed separately, a statistically significant difference in mean number of flights of stairs climbed was found among female respondents (61.51 flights climbed for NLBP and 35.61 flights climbed for LBP females; P = 0.031). When analyzed based on chronicity of LBP, an even stronger association between stairs climbed and LBP prevalence was found for female respondents with acute LBP (P = 0.009). More weekly stairs climbed was associated with a lower LBP prevalence among females, especially with respect to acute LBP. Randomized, longitudinal research is, however, required to confirm a relationship between stair climbing and LBP.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain Among Office Workers in Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective Lowback pain (LBP) is a significant and prevalent musculoskeletal disorder associated with the workplace that impacts individuals, families, communities, healthcare systems, and companies. Although LBP prevalence and risk factors have been studied in various professional categories in Saudi Arabia, there is no data on the prevalence of LBP among office workers and related risk factors. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of LBP among office workers in Saudi Arabia and identify major risk factors. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted among office workers in Saudi Arabia of both genders aged over 18 years living in five geographical regions: Central, Western, Southern, Eastern, or Northern. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among office workers using an online survey. The questionnaire comprised sociodemographic characteristics, the prevalence of work-related LBP, and work-related characteristics. Results Among 604 office workers, 51.7% were malesand 43.5% were aged between 18 and 30 years old. The prevalence of work-related LBP in this study was 59.9%. Independent risk factors for LBP include being overweight or obese, sleep disturbance, previous history of back trauma, increasing years of working in the office, changes made to workstation/work habits to reduce the risk of LBP, and frequent work stress. Protective risk factors for LBP include regular physical exercise and satisfaction with the current job. Conclusions LBP was widely prevalent among office workers in Saudi Arabia. Office workers with elevated body mass index (BMI) who had a previous history of back trauma and had sleep disturbance or work stress in the past month were at significant risk for LBP. Occupational health and safety programs are vital for building ergonomically safe working conditions, and regular physical exercise promotion could alleviate the risk of LBP at work.

Signaling Mechanisms of Stem Cell Therapy for Intervertebral Disc Degeneration.

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the primary clinical risk factor for low back pain and the pathological cause of disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and spinal deformity. A possible approach to improve the clinical practice of IDD-related diseases is to incorporate biomarkers in diagnosis, therapeutic intervention, and prognosis prediction. IDD pathology is still unclear. Regarding molecular mechanisms, cellular signaling pathways constitute a complex network of signaling pathways that coordinate cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and metabolism. Recently, stem cells have shown great potential in clinical applications for IDD. In this review, the roles of multiple signaling pathways and related stem cell treatment in IDD are summarized and described. This review seeks to investigate the mechanisms and potential therapeutic effects of stem cells in IDD and identify new therapeutic treatments for IDD-related disorders.

Spinal posture assessment and low back pain.

Postural assessment can help doctors and therapists identify risk factors for low back pain and determine appropriate follow-up treatment. Postural alignment is not perfectly symmetrical, and small asymmetries can instead represent norms and criteria for postural evaluation. It is necessary to comprehensively observe patients' posture in all directions and analyze the factors related to posture evaluation. The results of reliability show that in general intra-rater reliability is higher than inter-rater reliability, and inclinometers are being more reliable than other instrumentations. Some common postural problems can cause lumbar discomfort, and prolonged poor posture is a potential risk factor for lumbar spine injuries. On the basis of previous studies on posture evaluation, a unified standardized method for posture evaluation must be established in future research.

Prevalence of low back pain and its associated factors among traditional cloth weavers in Gulele sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders particularly low back pain is significantly high among common informal or small-scale enterprises within developing countries like weaving. However, there is little information on risk factors for low back pain in the informal sector such as the weaving sector in the areas of Addis Ababa as well as in Ethiopia. Therefore this study was aimed to assess the magnitude of low back pain and its associated factors among traditional cloth weavers in the Gulele sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study with internal comparison was conducted from June 1, 2022, and August 30, 2022. A total of 660 traditional cloth weavers were included in the study by using a systematic random sampling method to select participants in each of cooperatives as well as individual households in 5 woredas in Gulele sub-city. The data was analyzed and managed using SPSS version 20. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to control potential confounding factors and to determine the association. Among 660 (100%) respondents, 330 (50%) of them experienced low back pain after starting weaving. Out of the respondents with low back pain through their job career, 291 (44.1%) of them experienced low back pain during the last 12 months. Working greater than 8 h per day (AOR = 4.60, 95%CI: 2.35, 8.87), working with frequent bending (AOR = 3.32, 95%CI: 1.49, 7.40), job stress (AOR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.18, 2.40) were among factors significantly associated with the occurrence of low back pain. This study has shown a high prevalence of low back pain among traditional cloth weavers which indicates the need for immediate public health action. However, very small improvements in the working condition, weaving tools design, working methods can potentially lead to large benefits.