Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire Research Articles

Comparison of short-wave diathermy, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of electrotherapy methods and exercise therapy in chronic low back conditions

Background: Low back pain is a significant contributor to global disability, impacting individuals across different age groups. Research suggests that around 80% of people will encounter low back pain at some stage in their lives. This condition is more prevalent among middle-aged and elderly individuals, with a higher occurrence among females. The socioeconomic consequences of low back pain are substantial, including increased healthcare expenses, absenteeism from work, and a diminished quality of life. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of short-wave diathermy with exercise, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with exercise, and exercise alone among patients with chronic low back pain. Patients and Methods: 75 patients who were diagnosed with chronic low back pain, ages 20–50, participated. They were divided into three groups: group A received shortwave with exercise, group B received TENS with exercise, and group C received just exercise. Treatment was given for 12 sessions over a period of 4 weeks. All patients were evaluated before and after treatment using a visual analog scale and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that all three interventions were effective in reducing pain and improving physical activities, with varying degrees of success. But also, the result showed that the mean difference for the short wave with exercise is much higher than both the TENS with exercise and the exercise alone types of interventions in each of the different categories, respectively. Conclusion: This study has shown that shortwave exercise is more effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain than TENS with exercise and exercise alone.

Comparison of short-wave diathermy, Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of electrotherapy methods and exercise therapy in chronic low back conditions

Background: Low back pain is a significant contributor to global disability, impacting individuals across different age groups. Research suggests that around 80% of people will encounter low back pain at some stage in their lives. This condition is more prevalent among middle-aged and elderly individuals, with a higher occurrence among females. The socioeconomic consequences of low back pain are substantial, including increased healthcare expenses, absenteeism from work, and a diminished quality of life. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of short-wave diathermy with exercise, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation with exercise, and exercise alone among patients with chronic low back pain. Patients and Methods: 75 patients who were diagnosed with chronic low back pain, ages 20–50, participated. They were divided into three groups: group A received shortwave with exercise, group B received TENS with exercise, and group C received just exercise. Treatment was given for 12 sessions over a period of 4 weeks. All patients were evaluated before and after treatment using a visual analog scale and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. Results: The results showed that all three interventions were effective in reducing pain and improving physical activities, with varying degrees of success. But also, the result showed that the mean difference for the short wave with exercise is much higher than both the TENS with exercise and the exercise alone types of interventions in each of the different categories, respectively. Conclusion: This study has shown that shortwave exercise is more effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain than TENS with exercise and exercise alone. Keywords: Shortwave, TENS, Exercise, Chronic low back pain.

Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Pregnant Females

Background: Low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy is a common condition that affects a significant number of women, impacting their daily activities and overall quality of life. Various studies have documented the prevalence and severity of LBP among pregnant women, highlighting the need for more focused healthcare strategies. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, onset, and severity of LBP in pregnant women, and to evaluate the impact of LBP on their daily activities, with a view to enhancing prenatal care and management approaches. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over six months at two hospitals in Lahore, involving 181 pregnant women selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire and the Numeric Pain Index Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, focusing on descriptive statistics to calculate means, standard deviations, and prevalence percentages. Ethical considerations followed the Helsinki Declaration guidelines, with informed consent obtained from all participants. Results: The prevalence of LBP among the participants was 76.8%. The pain onset was most frequently reported in the second trimester (38.1% of cases). Severity assessments revealed 36.5% of participants experienced moderate pain and 40.3% severe pain. LBP significantly impaired daily functions, with many women reporting difficulties in walking, sitting, and engaging in other routine activities. Conclusion: LBP is highly prevalent among pregnant women and begins primarily in the second trimester, with a considerable impact on daily activities. This study emphasizes the necessity for routine prenatal assessment and targeted interventions to manage LBP, which could improve pregnancy outcomes and maternal health.

A PROSPECTIVE COMPARATIVE STUDY ON EFFICACY OF ORAL VITAMIN D FORMULATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN WITH VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Objective: Chronic low back pain is a global health problem with significant medical and economic burden. Vitamin D deficiency and obesity are its risk factors. The objective was to determine efficacy of oral vitamin D formulations in patients with chronic low back pain with vitamin D deficiency.
 Methods: A prospective analytical cohort study was conducted. Patients with self-reported chronic low back pain and with vitamin D concentrations ≤30 ng/dl were identified and randomized into 3 groups namely Granule, Nano syrup and soft gel capsule group. Vitamin D supplementation of 60,000 IUs per dose for ten consecutive days was given in the form of granule (1 g sachet), Nano syrup (5 ml bottle) and soft gel capsule. We measured (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) concentrations and to assess pain, Visual analogue scale and Modified Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire (MODQ) were used before and 12 w after the intervention.
 Results: After 12 w 25(OH)D levels increased significantly with vitamin D supplementation in all the groups but more in the Nano syrup group. There was also significant reduction in back pain intensity in all the groups after vitamin D supplementation. However in Nano syrup group, there was a significantly greater reduction in back pain compared with other groups.
 Conclusion: Our findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation in vitamin D deficient adults may improve chronic low back pain. Hence, testing for vitamin D deficiency in those with chronic low back pain may be warranted.

Comparing the Efficacy of Transforaminal and Caudal Epidural Injections of Calcitonin in Treating Degenerative Spinal Canal Stenosis: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is the most common indication for lumbar surgery in elderly patients. Epidural injections of calcitonin are effective in managing LSS. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of transforaminal and caudal injections of calcitonin in patients with LSS. In this double-blind randomized clinical trial, LSS patients were divided into two equal groups (N = 20). The first group received 50 IU (international units) of calcitonin via caudal epidural injection (CEI), and the second group received 50 IU of calcitonin via transforaminal epidural injection (TEI). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODI) were used to assess the patient's pain and ability to stand, respectively. Visual Analogue Scale and ODI scores were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that caudal and TEIs of calcitonin significantly improved pain and ability to stand during follow-up compared to before intervention (P < 0.05). Additionally, CEI of calcitonin after 6 months significantly reduced pain in LSS patients compared to TEI of calcitonin (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed between the two epidural injection techniques in improving the patient's ability to stand (P > 0.05). The results of the study indicate that epidural injection of calcitonin in long-term follow-up (6 months) had a significant effect on improving pain intensity and mobility in patients with LSS, and its effect on pain in the TEI method was significantly greater than that in the CEI method.

Percutaneous full-endoscopic transforaminal discectomy versus open microdiscectomy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation: randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLumbar disc herniation is one of the most common degenerative spine conditions. In our center, the standard surgical technique for treatment of lumbar disc herniation is open microdiscectomy. The full-endoscopic transforaminal discectomy is done for selective cases of lumbar disc herniation under local anesthesia, achieving good results. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes, operative data, and complications of the treatment of lumbar disc herniation with “percutaneous full-endoscopic transforaminal discectomy” (TED) and the gold standard “open microdiscectomy" (MD). This was a randomized controlled trial that included 65 patients with lumbar disc herniation: 32 in the TED group and 33 in the MD group.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to the visual analogue scale (VAS) for leg pain, the VAS for back pain, or the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODI) score at the end of the 1-year follow-up. The operative time in minutes was statistically shorter in the TED group, with a mean value of 50.38 (± 11.65) and 61.09 (± 12.32) in the MD group. The blood loss was 77.33 CC (± 23.14) in the TED group and 170 CC (± 56.06) in the MD group. The mean duration of hospital stay in days was statistically shorter in the TED group. Exposure to radiation in minutes was higher in the TED group: 1.09 (± 0.33) and 0.18 (± 0.08) in the TED group and MD group, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of complications.ConclusionTED showed superiority over MD with regard to blood loss, operative time and shorter hospital stays, but with increased radiation exposure. There was no difference in clinical outcomes regarding VAS for leg and back pain and ODI score at 1 year follow-up with no significant difference in complications.

Compare the Effectiveness of Interferential Therapy with Mckenzie Versus TENS With Mckenzie to Reduce Low Back Pain

Background: Low back pain is not an illness but rather a collection of symptoms that are typically acute and selflimiting.It has an impact on work performance and general wellbeing. The most commonly used modalities ofLBP are Interferential therapy and TENS. Hence this research work is done to check the effectiveness of IFT withMcKenzie and TENS with McKenzie for reducing low back pain.Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of IFT and TENS combined with McKenzie to reduce low back pain.Materials and Methods: 60 subjects were selected based on selection criteria.. The subjects were assessed usingVAS and OSWESTRY Low back pain disability questionnaires . The subjects selected were divided into twogroups. IFT group(n=30) received IFT for 20 minutes per day combined with McKenzie exercises TENS group (n=30) received TENS for 20 minutes per day combined with McKenzie exercises. These interventions were given for4 days per week for 2 weeks. Study period: October 2022 to July 2023.Result: The pretest and posttest values were analyzed and results suggest that the IFT group has significantimprovement when compared with the TENS group with p value &lt;0.0001.Conclusion: The study concludes that the IFT with McKenzie and TENS with McKenzie is effective for patientswith low back pain but IFT with McKenzie seems to be more effective than TENS with McKenzie.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and meditation in the treatment of persistent low back pain: Interventional Study

Objective: To compare the effect of both CBT and Meditation in chronic lower back pain patients.&#x0D; Method: Participants fulfilling the exclusion and inclusion criteria and who are between the age group of 35-50 years with CLBP were included. Numerical pain rating scale and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) was used for the participant selection. The participants were further divided into three groups and 4-week intervention of conventional physiotherapeutic exercise, meditation and CBT, was given to the participants. Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire were used as outcome measures.&#x0D; Results: 40 chronic back pain patients were enrolled and randomized. All enrolled participants completed baseline tests, providing cross-sectional data for this study. Simple randomization allocated 14 patients to the control group and 13 patients each to Experimental Group 1 and Experimental Group 2. Significant within-group improvements occurred on the Numerical Rating Scale and Oswestry scores between baseline and final visits for all groups. However, the experimental groups showed significantly greater decreases in pain intensity versus controls, evidenced by reduced mean Numerical Rating Scale and Oswestry scores at follow-up. One-way ANOVA and Welch tests revealed significantly reduced Numerical Rating Scale and Oswestry scores after treatment across groups. Both tests yielded statistically significant p-values &lt;0.01.&#x0D; Conclusion: The findings show that meditation and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are beneficial in reducing pain. As a result, for patients with persistent low back pain, taking into consideration these two treatment techniques is critical.&#x0D; Keywords: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Chronic Pain, Oswestry Questionnaire

Prevalence of low back pain and disability among secondary school teacher in the eastern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional analytical study.

Lower back pain is common worldwide and affects over 600,000 people annually, including teachers. The study aimed to investigate the prevalence of low back pain and disability among secondary school teachers in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study included secondary school teachers in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. 34 schools were selected using a multistage stratified sampling approach. Teachers were allotted randomly and proportionally to each school. Data was collected by anonymous questionnaire having three elements: sociodemographic and health-related questions, the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire, and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. The anthropometric data was also included. Both unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression analyses were performed. A total of 601 teachers participated in the study with 62.56% reported low back pain. The overall mean age was 40.31 ± 8.13 years. The male-to-female ratio was similar. Back pain was significantly higher among females than males (73.36 and 51.52%, respectively). Additionally, back pain will significantly increase when stress levels and the number of classes increases. A positive correlation was found between age with low back pain (p = 0.001).There was minimal disability in 64.63% of the 376 teachers who reported low back pain, moderate disability in 29.79%, and severe disability in 4.79%, and only three (0.8%) were considered crippled. Females were more frequently seen in moderate and crippled categories, and perceived stress levels generally increased mean disability scores. Age and female gender were revealed to be significant predictors of low back pain by logistic regression (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.07) and (adjusted OR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.45-3.05), respectively. The number of classes per week was also a significant predictor. This study adds to the epidemiological evidence that reveals a high prevalence of low back pain and disability among teachers. Identified risk factors in this study may also reinforce the importance of setting different interventions and preventive measures to reduce lower back pain risk.

Primary osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine presenting as chronic low back pain or sciatica or both (prolapsed lumber disc syndrome): establishing its cause, pathogenesis, and treatment: A randomized case-control study

: The objectives of this study were to compare three scores, Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for low back pain, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Vertical Version at the beginning and end point in two, Trial (G1), and Control (G2) groups of Primary Osteoarthritis of lumbar spine patients.The inner nucleus pulposus may rupture out from the annulus as the disc continues to degrade or as the spine continues to be stressed. This is a herniated or burst disc. The nerve roots that are immediately behind the disc space may then be pressed by the disc material fragments. This may result in discomfort, frailty, numbness, or alterations in feeling.: Understanding the causes, pathophysiology, and treatments for prolapsed lumber disc syndrome, which presents as primary osteoarthritis of the lumbar spine and causes chronic low back pain, sciatica, or both.: In this study, the total number of patients were 150, in G1 - 100, and G2 - 50. G1 received the hypothesized treatment, Contracture Correction Therapy (CCT), while G2 did “No Therapy”. WOMAC determination was done by the questionnaire; ODI by modified Oswestry Low Back pain disability questionnaire and VAS by Visual Analogue Scale Vertical Version, all at 0, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. The CCT consisted of 1. Immobilization of the spine. 2. Passive and active extension of the spine. 3. Three therapeutic rituals and 4. Advice to avoid stooping.: The CCT receiving was associated with much recovery (P &amp;#60;0.00) while non-receiving with much less (P =0.00). In G1 WOMAC decreased from 54.29 to 0.00; ODI from 51.82 to 1.80; VAS rose from 37.56 to 100 (rise indicates betterment) P= 0.00. In G2 WOMAC lowered from 56.40 to 4.08; ODI from 65.10 to 6.0; VAS rose from 34.40 to 81.00. Relief in symptoms was similar.: The cause, pathogenesis, and treatment are deficient full extension, I.V. joint capsule contracture formation, and extension of the lumbar spine respectively.

Prevalence of Low Back Pain Among University Attendants in Tabuk City During 2023: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia.

College students are at a higher risk of suffering low back pain (LBP). Assessing the magnitude of the problem and the associated risk factors can help reduce the suffering and disability in future doctors. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and related factors of LBP among medical students in the University of Tabuk and emphasize the need for targeted interventions that could help alleviate the burden of LBP among the students and improve their quality of life. This cross-sectional study used an online well-structured, self-report questionnaire to collect the respondents' data. The questionnaire explored the participants' sociodemographic factors, lifestyle, and the severity of LBP-related disability using the modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)) score. The prevalence rate of LBP was 26.8%. The independent factors that significantly increased the probability of LBP included overweight/obesity (odds ratio (OR): 1.696, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.086 to 2.648, p = 0.020) and stretching exercises (OR: 1.784, 95% CI: 1.104 to 2.883, p = 0.018). The independent predictors that significantly increased the severity of ODI included married marital status (p = 0.007), back surgery (p = 0.031), and higher pain intensity (p < 0.001). We found that the prevalence rate of LBP among our sample was around 26%. This rate is approximate to the rates reported in previous studies. Furthermore, the activities most affected by LBP were sitting, standing, and lifting. Future studies should explore other risk factors and attempt to determine the onset of pain. A longitudinal study design is recommended to identify the onset of developing LBP.

Conservative Treatments of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: Physical Therapists' Perspectives.

This study aimed to examine physical therapists' perspectives in conservative treatments of pediatric patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). A cross-sectional survey design was used. A validated questionnaire was distributed to physical therapists, and the responses were analyzed. Preferred treatment frequency was 60 minutes (53.8%), twice weekly (41.5%), over 3 to 5 months (44.6%). Top 3 clinical interventions were core and trunk stability enhancement (90.8%), abdominal strengthening (83.1%), and postural correction (80.0%). Top 3 therapeutic goal-setting parameters were activity-based (78.5%), quality-of-life measure-based (56.9%), and participation-based (50.8%). The most common quality-of-life survey used was Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire (15.6%) followed by Scoliosis Research Society-22 instrument (12.5%). According to our data, physical therapists believe that pediatric patients with AIS can benefit with addressing core and trunk stability, a 60-minute per session, twice weekly, over 3 to 5 months based on activity-based goal-setting and quality-of-life measures using Oswestry questionnaire.

The Correlation between Core Muscular Endurance, Body Composition, and Back Pain in Firefighters: An Observational Study

Firefighters are at a higher risk for experiencing back pain due to the nature of their job, but physical fitness may help to reduce this risk. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to determine if a correlation between subjective back pain severity and core muscular endurance exists in firefighters. A secondary purpose was to determine if age or body composition were correlated with back pain severity. This cross-sectional study was performed at a fire department during their Physical Fitness Assessment Program and included 72 male firefighters. Measures included weight, body fat percentage, maximal plank hold times for core muscular endurance, and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire. A Pearson product correlation analysis was performed between back pain score and each of the following variables: body fat percentage, BMI, age, and plank hold times. A second set of correlation coefficient analyses was performed between the same variables exclusively in subjects who reported back pain. This study found that, within this population of firefighters, there was no significant correlation between back pain and plank times or body composition variables, although there was a trend toward significant correlations between BMI and body fat percentage when only subjects with back pain were considered.

Non-Spesifik Bel Ağrılı Hastalarda Lumbal Lordoz Açısı ve Lumbal Kas Kalınlıklarının MRG Analizi

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship of lumbar lordosis angle and lumbar muscle thickness with non-specific low back pain (LBP) through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images.&#x0D; Methods: The study included 96 individuals (43 men/53 women) with non-specific LBP, aged between 18-65 years and had no disc pathology in MRI, who applied to affiliated Training and Research Hospital with the complaint of LBP between March-June 2019. Sociodemographic information was recorded using an LBP assessment form. The Oswestry LBP Disability Questionnaire was used for LBP disability. The thicknesses of muscle (m.) psoas major, m. multifidus, m. quadratus lumborum and m. erector spinae were measured corresponding to the L3-L4 vertebral level by using Radiant DICOM viewer program. The Cobb Angle method was used for lumbar lordosis angle determination. Measurements were made in three repetitions using the Radiant DICOM viewer program. &#x0D; Results: The results showed that an inverse relationship was found between the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and m. psoas major thickness (p

Effectiveness of unilateral percutaneous vertebroplasty for acute traumatic non-osteoporotic compression vertebral fractures.

Although vertebroplasty is a well-known treatment for osteoporotic and neoplastic compression fractures, there is limited evidence to support its use in traumatic compression fractures without osteoporotic degeneration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation of kyphosis and wedge angles with pain relief and functional outcome after percutaneous vertebroplasty. 38 patients who harbored acute traumatic non-osteoporotic compression vertebral fractures without neurological complications refractory to at least 5 days of conservative treatment were included in this study. Follow-up evaluations included pain (assessed with the visual analog scale) and medication use. Functional outcome was measured using Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire. Cobb angles, Gardner angles and kyphotic angles were measured on the full-spine radiographs preoperatively and postoperatively. The axial pain visual analog scale score (8.05 ± 1.23 pre-op vs 1.18 ± 1.09 post-op, P < .05) and The Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire score (33.45 ± 6.97 pre-op vs 4.47 ± 2.41 post-op, P < .05). The Cobb's angle (19.66° ± 8.68° pre-op vs 15.08° ± 7.51° post-op, P < .05), the Gardner's angle (17.72° ± 6.52° pre-op vs 14.13° ± 7.13° post-op, P < .05) and the kyphotic angle (17.51° ± 5.8° pre-op vs 8.81° ± 4.14°post-op, P < .05) were significantly reduced postoperatively therefore, local kyphosis was markedly restored after vertebroplasty. Our findings show that vertebroplasty for patients with traumatic spinal compression fractures reduces pain, improves mobility, reduces the need for painkillers, and significantly affects kyphotic angles.

Effect of Body Mechanics Training Program on Low Back Pain and Disability among Patients with Lumbar Disc Prolapse

Context: Lumbar disc prolapse is one of the most common spinal pathologies, which can be associated with debilitating pain and neurological dysfunction. Evidence suggests that patients with disc prolapse and low back pain must be taught proper body mechanics to move safely and with the least strain possible on their back.&#x0D; Aim: Evaluate the effect of body mechanics training program on low back pain and disability among patients with lumbar disc prolapse. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design (study and control group) was utilized to achieve the aim of this study. This study was conducted in the neurosurgery department and neurosurgery outpatient clinic at Benha University Hospital on a purposive sample of patients diagnosed with lumbar disc prolapse. Three tools for data collection were used; a Structured interviewing questionnaire for patients; a visual analog pain scale, and Oswestry low back pain disability questionnaire.&#x0D; Results: Showed that the total mean knowledge score for the study and control group was 33.500±3.862 and 8.140±6.402, respectively, after one-month post-program implementation, with a statistically significant difference between both groups. Also, 75% of the study group had mild pain, and 58% of the control group had moderate pain post-program implementation, with statistically significant differences between the study and control group post-program, where p=0.000. Regarding functional disability scores among study and control groups pre and one month after program implementation. It shows that (67% and 63%) of the study and control groups had severe disability pre-program implementation. In contrast, post-program implementation, 65% of the study group had moderate disability, while 13% of the control group had moderate disability.&#x0D; Conclusion: Implementing body mechanics training program for patients with lumbar disc prolapse improved knowledge, reduced pain severity, and reduced disability among the study group compared to the control group. A simplified colored booklet about using body mechanics when performing activities of daily living should be available for all patients with lumber disc prolapse.

Investigatıon of the effect of weight loss after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on cobb angle, waist and back pain: a prospective study

BackgroundIn many studies, it has been stated that obesity causes severe increases in the risks of disc degeneration, vertebral fracture, low back, and back pain. One of the most effective treatment options for obesity is bariatric surgery. ObjectivesIn this study, the effect of weight loss on these parameters was investigated by evaluating the Cobb angle, low back, and back pain. SettingUniversity Hospital MethodsA total of 89 patients were included in the study. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) was performed on all patients. In addition, Cobb angle, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) measurements were recorded at each visit. Investigating the quality and quantity of low back pain and the loss of function caused by the patients; visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (OLBPDQ), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF36) were administered. ResultsAccording to the preoperative Cobb angles, the decrease in the 6th month (P = .029) and 12th month (P = .007) measurements after the operation was found to be statistically significant (P < .05), but it was found to be clinically insignificant. When the changes in RMDQ, OLBPDQ, VAS, and SF-36 scores were examined, the decrease in the 6th month (P = .001) and 12th month (P = .001) scores after the operation was found to be significant compared to the preoperative scores (P < .01). ConclusionsIn this study, weight loss after SG improved for patients with chronic low back and back pain and significantly improved their quality of life.

Hubungan Postur Kerja Terhadap Keluhan Low Back Pain Pemetik Teh PT Perkebunan Tambi Wonosobo

Tea pickers are workers in the plantation sector who still do their work manually, with repetitive movement, and carry out the load in their back during labor, which can cause non-ergonomic work posture. This causes ergonomic complaints in workers, known as low back pain which is a complaint of back pain caused by several factors, including unnatural work posture, age, and years of service. The research was observational analytic with a cross-sectional design. The sampling technique in this research was total sampling with the total respondents of 36 tea pickers at PT Perkebunan Tambi Wonosobo, Block Bismo of UP Bedakah. This study used the RULA measurement method to measure work posture and the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire to measure low back pain complaints. Data analysis techniques used the Somers'd correlation test to determine the correlation between work posture and low back pain Tea Pickers at PT Perkebunan Tambi Wonosobo. The results of the research on 36 respondents showed that there was a significant correlation between work posture and low back pain among tea pickers with a p-value = 0.014 (p&lt;0.05) and a correlation coefficient (r) is 0.410 which is included in a moderate correlation with a positive correlation direction. The conclusion of this study there was a correlation between work posture and low back pain complaints of tea pickers at PT Perkebunan Tambi Wonosobo, Bismo Block of UP Bedakah.

The Effects of Brief Guided Imagery on Patients Suffering From Chronic Back Pain: An A-B Design Study

BackgroundGuided imagery (GI) is a non-pharmacological method used to reduce pain, stress, and anxiety. AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the impact of brief GI on symptoms of chronic back pain in adults treated in the Rheumatology clinic. DesignA-B design study. Settings & ParticipantsA sample of 35 women with chronic back pain were recruited at the Rheumatology Outpatient Clinic of Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon, Israel. MethodsAll subjects completed questionnaires at recruitment (T1), and after 8-10 weeks, they completed questionnaires again before the first intervention (T2). The intervention included five brief GI group meetings every 2-3 weeks, one hour each (3-5 subjects per group). Participants learned 6 GI exercises and were asked to practice brief guided imagery exercises at least once daily. Then, questionnaires were completed the third time (T3). Outcome measures: MOQ - Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, STAI - State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, FABQ - Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, NPRS - Numerical Pain Rating Scale (average pain over the last week). ResultsCompared with the period without intervention, NPRS (Δ = 2.53, standard error [SE] = 0.43, p < .001), STAI (Δ = 8.41, SE = 1.95, p < .001), and MOQ (Δ = 0.06, SE = 0.02, p = .019) reported significantly lower levels after brief guided imagery training. However, no statistically significant change was found in FABQ. ConclusionsThe brief guided imagery intervention may help alleviate chronic back pain, help decrease anxiety, and improve daily activity in women who suffer from chronic low back pain.

CIRCADIAN BLOOD PRESSURE PROFILE IN RELATION TO LOW BACK PAIN DISABILITY INDEX

Objective: Cross-sectional observations within population cohorts have linked low back pain with hypertension in men, but not in women. The aim of the current study was to analyze 24-hour blood pressure profile in hypertensive men and women reporting low back pain. Design and method: The study group included 85 hypertensive patients (29 M/56 F, mean age 60.6 +/- 8.3 years) with episodes of low back pain during 3 weeks before examination. All patients received antihypertensive medications in the scheme of combination therapy and none of them was on chronic painkillers. Standardized questionnaire was used to collect information on life style factors. Twenty-four hour blood pressure monitoring was provided (Spacelabs 90207) and values of 24h, daytime and nighttime blood pressure were calculated, as well as nighttime blood pressure dipping. Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire was used to calculate disability index. Multivariable regression was used to asses the association between blood pressure an disability index, while accounting for covariates. Results: In the whole study population, no association was found between disability index and 24-hour systolic (parameter estimate: -0.053 +/- 0.23 mm Hg per 1 point increase in disability index, p = 0.86) or diastolic blood pressure (-0.018 +/ 0.14 mm Hg per 1 point increase, p = 0.90). When analyzing men and women separately, we observed in women increased daytime diastolic blood pressure with increasing disability index (+0.29 +/- 0.16 mm Hg, p = 0.044), that resulted in more prominent day-night difference with increasing disability index (+0.42 +/- 0.14% per 1 point increase in disability index). Blood pressure values over 24 hours or nighttime blood pressure was not associated with disability index. None of associations between blood pressure values and low back pain disability index were not found in men. Conclusions: Low back pain, as assessed by standardized questionnaire of disability index, is associated with elevated daytime blood pressure in hypertensive women, that might lead to more difficulties in achieving target blood pressure in this group of patients.