Characteristics Of Low Back Pain Research Articles

Low back pain characteristics in adolescent patients with early-stage spondylolysis: a prospective study.

Early-stage spondylolysis (ESS) is a common cause of acute low back pain (LBP) in adolescents. When treating patients with ESS, early diagnosis is essential, yet difficult without magnetic resonance imaging. This study evaluates a self-reported questionnaire for detecting ESS. We evaluated a total of 69 adolescents (≤ 18years old) with acute LBP (≤ 1month) with plain radiography, magnetic resonance imaging and a questionnaire including the following parameters: exercise frequency per week, daily training time, the necessity for stopping sports activity, pain-producing situations, pain quality, pain response to hyperextension or hyperflexion, pain location, and pain extent. Patients with obvious pathological findings other than ESS (e.g., disk herniation or infection) were excluded. The correlation of each question and gender, regarding ESS was determined, to evaluate the value of the originally developed questionnaire. 24 out of 69 patients were diagnosed with ESS (ESS group), with a mean age of 13.9years old and 21 males and 3 females in the group. 45 patients had NS-LBP, with a mean age of 14.6years old, and 28 males and 17 females in the group. Correlation analyses showed weak associations between ESS and higher frequency of exercise per week, longer training time per day, and pain-producing situations. There was also a moderate association between ESS and male gender. Exercise frequency, training time, pain-provoking situations, and gender could be important factors to detect ESS within this questionnaire.

Association between physical measures of spinopelvic alignment and physical functioning with patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) after total hip arthroplasty: Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Prevalence of total hip arthroplasty (THA) has trended upwards over past decades and is projected to increase further. Optimizing outcomes after surgery is essential to avoid surgical revision and maximize outcomes. Low back pain is reported as a problem post THA. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly used to evaluate THA outcomes but have limitations (e.g., ceiling effects). It is therefore important to assess a comprehensive range of outcomes. Physical outcome measures of spinopelvic alignment and physical functioning demonstrate potential value, but no evidence synthesis has investigated their association with PROMs. The objectives of this systematic review are to evaluate the association between spinopelvic alignment and physical outcome measures of physical functioning with PROMs and characteristics of low back pain after THA. This protocol is aligned with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols. Cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort studies evaluating the association between the physical outcome measures and PROMs (any outcome measures reported) following THA by any approach/implant will be included except surface replacement and revision THA. Studies investigating THA for developmental pathology and inflammatory conditions will be excluded. A systematic search in MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and the grey literature will be carried out from inception to July 31, 2023. Two independent reviewers will evaluate eligibility of retrieved articles, extract data and assess risk of bias (NIH quality assessment tool) of included studies. A third reviewer will mediate disagreements. Random-effects meta-analyses will be conducted if studies are sufficiently homogeneous in design, population, physical measures and PROMs; reporting odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Where meta-analyses are not possible, a narrative synthesis will be conducted. Confidence in cumulative evidence will be assessed using a modified GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). PROSPERO Registration number CRD42023412744.

Description of JA Medical Skincare Medan Beautician’s Low Back Pain Based on Duration of Work

Introduction: Low Back Pain (LBP) is defined as pain and discomfort located below the costal margin to the inferior gluteal fold, with or without pain in the legs. LBP is a common condition that can occur in all age groups with acute or chronic episodes. Beauticians are more susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders. This line of work tends to involve limited positions, repetitive movements, standing for more than 8 hours or sitting in a bent position during activities. This study aims to determine the characteristics of low back pain based on work duration among beauticians of the JA Medical Skincare beauty clinic Medan. Method: The method used in this research was descriptive quantitative with a total sampling technique. The research population was 60 beauticians from the JA Medical Skincare Beauty Clinic Medan. The data were collected by having the respondents fill out a questionnaire. Results: The research results revealed that beauticians at the JA Medical Skincare beauty clinic who were at risk of experiencing low back pain were individuals aged under 30 years (51.8%), those with BMI > 27 or categorized as obese (60%), and those with a working duration of more than 8 hours (49,1%). These groups exhibited higher percentages of complaints related to low back pain. In general, almost all ages have the potential to experience low back pain. Beauticians who work long hours and do not pay attention to ergonomic factors would have caused continuous static loads on their back and are at risk of experiencing complaints of low back pain. Keywords: Beautician; Duration of work; Low back pain

Use of social media as a source of health information among patients with chronic low back pain.

To evaluate the use of social media (SM) as a source of health information among patients with chronic low back pain (LBP) and to evaluate the factors associated with this use. This was a cross-sectional study involving patients with chronic LBP. Information on their sociodemographics, LBP characteristics, and comorbidities was collected. With the use of a questionnaire, we evaluated the use of SM as a source of information, examining the frequency of use, the type of SM used, and degree of confidence and application of information found. Catastrophising, trust in physicians, and concerns regarding medicines were assessed through the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), Trust in Physician Scale (TPS) and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ Specific Concerns). A regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with the use of SM. A total of 118 patients were included. The mean age was 53.01±14.09years. Of the sample, 68.6% sought information regarding their LBP on social networks. The main source was YouTube (30%). Eighteen point six percent of patients trusted the information found through SM, and 16.1% have already acted on some of this information. The majority of patients (82%) would prefer to have healthcare professionals in their virtual spaces to answer their questions. In a multivariate analysis, only the degree of trust in the physician was negatively associated with SM use (OR=0.95 IC 95% [0.91-0.99]; p=0.03). This survey showed that a proportion of patients suffering from chronic LBP use SM, YouTube in particular, as a source of health information. The level of trust in physicians was the strongest factor that impelled people to use SM as a source of health information.

Characteristics of Low Back Pain Patients at The West Aceh Health Center for The Period January 2022 - June 2023

Background: Around the world, 80% of adults experience low back pain (LBP). LBP frequently results in disability in sufferers, which affects many facets of life. We conducted this study to ascertain the prevalence of low back pain cases in the general clinic of health centers in West Aceh Regency due to the rising incidence of LBP in the world.Methods: To identify the characteristics of LBP (Low Back Pain) patients in the general clinic of health centers in West Aceh Regency from January to June 2023, we utilized a descriptive study approach with a cross-sectional design. Purposive and non-probability sampling were used in this study's sampling procedures.Results: From January 2022 to June 2023, 21.600 patients were registered for care at the general clinic of the health centers in the West Aceh area. 230 LBP patients were diagnosed during that time, or 10,6 cases per every 1000 clinic visits.Conclusion: The results showed that LBP patients who came to the General Clinic of the West Aceh Health Center from January 2022 to June 2023 were mostly in the age group 50-60 years. Namely, 112 samples (48.7%), female gender 140 people (60.9%) and male 90 people (39.1%), and the type of work patients who experience the most LBP are housewives, as many as 61 people from the total sample.

Characteristics of low back pain and its associated factors among healthcare providers at a tertiary hospital in Sylhet city: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHealthcare providers serve as the backbone of the healthcare system, yet they frequently have low back pain (LBP) due to ergonomic factors. Therefore, the objective of this research was to identify the characteristics of LBP and its associated factors among healthcare providers in Bangladesh.MethodologyIn this cross-sectional study, 310 medical providers, both male and female, participated. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate data regarding different measures of LBP. The chi-square test and descriptive statistics were used to evaluate the data. To identify the predicted risk factor for LBP, binary logistic regression was performed.ResultA total of 51.9% of healthcare providers reported having LBP at least once a day in the past 12 months, 25.8% had chronic LBP, 18.1% had to take time off work due to LBP, and 57.89% had received combination medication and physiotherapy in the previous 12 months. The advanced age (41–59 years) adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.83, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–3.22; p = 0.034), lifting objects (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.06–3.78; p = 0.032), awkward position (AOR = 6.54, 95% CI = 3.04–14.10; p = 0.001), physical exercise (AOR = 3.81, 95% CI = 2.23–6.52; p = 0.001), and comorbidities (AOR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.00–3.20) were predictors for developing LBP at least once in the past 12 months.ConclusionAccording to this study, more than half of healthcare professionals reported having LBP at least once in the previous 12 months. Good working posture, ergonomic knowledge, and safe lifting techniques are essential to getting rid of this problem. In addition, good medical attention and regular exercise are required.

Characteristics of Low Back Pain (LBP) in The Lumbosacral Examination in Radiological Installations: A Case of Tidore Island Hospital and Jailolo Hospital, Indonesia

The International Classification of Disease (ICD) shows that Low Back Pain (LBP) is a condition of pain and discomfort in a person below the corner of the last rib (costal margin) and above the lower gluteal fold, accompanied by pain in the legs. Low Back Pain (LBP) is not a disease or a diagnosis but instead triggers the term used for pain syndromes in which anatomical structures are affected in various ways by the duration of pain. Low Back Pain cases worldwide vary annually, reaching 15 to 45%. WHO shows that 33% of the population in developing countries experience persistent back pain. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in Indonesia is 11.9% based on diagnosis by health workers, 24.7% based on diagnosis or incidence, and about 4.73% in North Maluku. Prevalence has increased significantly at the age of 35 to 55 years. The Lumbosacral Vertebrae examination technique is an initial examination to determine the presence of LBP abnormalities in the lumbosacral. The most frequently used radiological procedure in cases of LBP is a lumbosacral examination using anteroposterior (AP) and lateral projections. This research used a descriptive and retrospective approach. This research was conducted at the Radiology Installation of Tidore Islands Hospital and Jailolo Hospital for one year, January-December 2021. The results showed that the lumbosacral check in patients with clinical Low Back Pain (LBP) in the Radiology Installation of Tidore Islands Hospital and Jailolo Hospital was 64 at the Tidore Islands Hospital and 72 at the Jailolo Hospital. The people with the highest age in the two hospitals is the age range of 46-55 years, dominated by women (57.8%) at the Tidore Islands City Hospital and men (59.7%) at Jailolo Hospital. Also, the characteristics of Low Back Pain (LBP) based on the lumbosacral examination were lumbar spondylosis (43.8%) at the Tidore Islands Hospital and (41.7%) at the Jailolo Hospital.

Distribution of modic changes and its relation with age, sex and body mass index in Iranian population

BackgroundSuspected as a cause of low back pain (LBP), Modic changes (MCs) have received increasing attention in spine research and care. Knowledge of MCs based on the general population, which may provide an important clinical reference is limited. Moreover, fewer studies have examined whether MCs are related to other structural features of LBP, such as age, gender and body mass index (BMI). The aim of present study was to determine the prevalence and clinical distribution of MCs in patients with LBP and to explore the related factors such as age, gender and BMI. MethodA total of 159 adult subjects (74 males [46.2%] and 85 females [53.5%]) were enrolled in the study (Mean age: 46.15 ± 10.36) and scanned with 1.5 T Magnetic Resonance Scanner. Age, gender, disk degeneration, herniation, involved segments, Lumbar lordosis (LL) angle, Sacral sloop (SS), MCs, and endplate concave angle (ECA) were recorded. Disk degeneration was graded using a Pfirrmann scale. MCs were classified into Type I (MCI), type II (MC II), type III (MCIII). ResultsThere were a total of 13 patients (8.2%) with MCI, 145 patients (91.2%) with MC II, and 1 patient (0.6%) with MCIII. Among all patients, the L4/L5 lumbar level was most likely to suffer MCs (56.0%). Greater age [odds ratio (OR) = 2.44 for each 10-year increase] and BMI (OR = 1.07) were associated with the presence of MCs. Logistic regression showed that age, LL, L5/S1 segment lordosis angle, and L5 upper and lower ECA were related with different types of MCs. The OR values were A = 1.08, L = 0.88, D = 1.12, E = 0.88, O = 1.10, respectively (A means age, L means L5/S1 segment lordosis angle, D and E means L5 upper and lower ECA and O means Lumbar lordosis). ConclusionType II MCs are predominant, mostly occur in lower lumbar region. Age, LL, and L5 ECA were associated with type II MCs. L5 Lower concave angle and LL were the most relevant factors for different types.

The effect and mechanism of motor control exercise on low back pain: a narrative review.

Low back pain (LBP) is a common symptom that can occur in all ages. It is the first common cause of disability globally and is associated with over 60 million disability-adjusted life-years in a single year. Motor control exercise (MCE) has obtained increasing attention in treating LBP. However, the findings from distinct meta-analyses differed and some even reached controversial conclusions. More importantly, how MCE improves LBP-related symptoms remains unclear. The primary aim of this study is to describe the possible improvement mechanisms of MCE on LBP from brain, biochemistry, inflammatory, and neuromuscular aspects. The secondary aim is to further conclude its effectiveness and clinical application. Further understanding of mechanisms and effectiveness could be instructive for future LBP treatments and provide more information for clinicians when making prescriptions. MCE is effective in alleviating pain and disability among patients with acute and chronic LBP. Notably, the evidence for acute LBP is relatively low-quality and limited. MCE might be more effective for patients with specific LBP characteristics, especially those with pre-diagnosis of impaired transversus abdominis recruitment, intermediate pain intensity, and longer MCE training duration. MCE could remap brain representation and reverse negative brain alternation, induce exercise-induced hypoalgesia, mediate anti-inflammatory response, retain normal activation, and improve morphological deficits.

A Geo-Medical Study of Low Back Pain Associated With Risk Factors Reported among Female School Teachers of Srinagar District, Jammu and Kashmir, India

Low Back Pain (LBP) is considered one of the most frequently reported causes of visits to healthcare establishments. In India, the prevalence of LBP is alarming with approximately 60% of people suffering from LBP. It has been observed that most people have experienced back discomfort at least once in their lives. Globally, LBP features amongst work-related disorders as a frequently prevailing issue in occupational settings. In the Indian scenario, the prevalence of LBP is generally found to be gender-specific. Females are reported to suffer more from LBP than males in the same working environment. Recent research suggests that school teachers exhibit a higher prevalence of LBP issues. Therefore, the present study focuses on enquiring about the occurrence of LBP and understanding the associated risk factors among female teachers. Simple random sampling is used to identify schools in 5 urban units of the Srinagar district. Binary logistic regression is employed to identify the risk factors, both at the workplace and at home. Married females (58.33 %) complained of LBP more than unmarried ones. At the workplace, prolonged standing (40%) was the most common self-reported risk factor for LBP. In general, prolonged standing, teaching hours, and mental health were found to be the three statistically significant risk factors contributing to LBP at the workplace. Amongst all the activities at home, domestic chores carried out by females (married and unmarried both) were the highest self-reported risk factor (78%), married women at 82.14% and unmarried women at 75.9%. The same was found statistically significant along with the additional factor being professional work done at home. The study establishes the need for a comprehensive strategy and preventive interventions in lowering the prevalence of LBP disability, especially among teachers, given the immense role they play in shaping our society.

What guides back pain care? A content analysis of low back pain directives in the Australian context

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) is a major cause of disease burden around the world. There is known clinical variation in how LBP is treated and addressed; with one cited reason the lack of availability, or use of, evidence-based guidance for clinicians, consumers, and administrators. Despite this a considerable number of policy directives such as clinical practice guidelines, models of care and clinical tools with the aim of improving quality of LBP care do exist. Here we report on the development of a repository of LBP directives developed in the Australian health system and a content analysis of those directives aimed at deepening our understanding of the guidance landscape. Specifically, we sought to determine: (1) What is the type, scale, and scope of LBP directives available? (2) Who are the key stakeholders that drive low back pain care through directives? (3) What content do they cover? (4) What are their gaps and deficiencies?MethodsWe used online web search and snowballing methods to collate a repository of LBP policy documents collectively called 'directives' including Models of Care (MOC), information sheets, clinical tools, guidelines, surveys, and reports, from the last 20 years. The texts of the directives were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis adopting methods from descriptive policy content analysis to categorise and analyse content to determine origins, actors, and themes.ResultsEighty-four directives were included in our analysis. Of those, 55 were information sheets aimed at either healthcare providers or patients, nine were clinical tools, three were reports, four were guidelines, four were MOC, two were questionnaires and five were referral forms/criteria. The three main categories of content found in the directives were 1. Low back pain features 2. Standards for clinical encounters and 3. Management of LBP, each of which gave rise to different themes and subthemes. Universities, not-for-profit organizations, government organisations, hospitals/Local Health Districts, professional organisations, consumers, and health care insurers were all involved in the production of policy directives. However, there were no clear patterns of roles, responsibilities or authority between these stakeholder groups.ConclusionDirectives have the potential to inform practice and to contribute to reducing evidence-policy-practice discordance. Documents in our repository demonstrate that while a range of directives exist across Australia, but the evidence base for many was not apparent. Qualitative content analysis of the directives showed that while there has been increasing attention given to models of care, this is not yet reflected in directives, which generally focus on more specific elements of LBP care at the individual patient and practitioner level. The sheer number and variety of directives, from a wide range of sources and various locations within the Australian health system suggests a fragmented policy landscape without clear authoritative sources. There is a need for clearer, easily accessible trustworthy policy directives that are regularly reviewed and that meet the needs of care providers, and information websites need to be evaluated regularly for their evidence-based nature and quality.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous and Open Surgery Approaches in The Animal Model of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha-Induced Disc Degeneration.

Animal models provide a deeper understanding about various complications and better demonstrate the effect of therapeutic approaches. One of the issues in the low back pain (LBP) model is the invasiveness of the procedure and it does not mimic actual disease conditions in humans. The purpose of the present study was to compare the ultrasound-guided (US-guided) percutaneous approach with the open-surgery method in the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced disc degeneration model for the first time to showcase the advantages of this recently developed, minimally invasive method. In this experimental study, eight male rabbits were divided into two groups (open-surgery and US-guided). Relevant discs were punctured by two approaches and TNF-α was injected into them. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to assess the disc height index (DHI) at all stages. Also morphological changes (annulus fibrosus, nucleus pulposus) were evaluated by assessing Pfirrmann grade and histological evaluation (Hematoxylin and Eosin). The findings indicated targeted discs became degenerated after six weeks. DHI in both groups was significantly reduced (P<0.0001), however the difference was not significant between the two groups. In the open-surgery group, osteophyte formation was seen at six and eighteen weeks after the puncture. Pfirrmann grading revealed significant differences between injured and adjacent uninjured discs (P<0.0001). The US-guided method indicated significantly fewer signs of degeneration after six (P=0.0110) and eighteen (P=0.0328) weeks. Histological scoring showed significantly lower degeneration in the US-guided group (P=0.0039). The US-guided method developed a milder grade condition and such a model better mimics the chronic characteristics of LBP and the procedure is more ethically accepted. Therefore, the US-guided method could be a merit approach for future research in this domain as a safe, practical and low-cost method.

Association between functional disability with postural balance among patients with chronic low back pain.

Postural balance is impaired in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). In addition, the swaying velocity can be affected by low back pain (LBP) dysfunction. However, the extent to which the dysfunction affects postural balance in CLBP patients remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of LBP-related disability on postural balance among CLBP patients and determine factors associated with postural balance impairments. Participants with CLBP were recruited and instructed to complete the one-leg stance and Y-balance test. Moreover, they were divided into two subgroups (i.e., low and medium to high LBP-related disability groups) to compare the difference in postural balance based on the degree of LBP-related disability measured by the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. The relationships between postural balance and negative emotions as well as LBP characteristics were determined using the Spearman correlations. A total of 49 participants with low LBP-related disabilities and 33 participants with medium to high LBP-related disabilities participated in the study. Compared to the medium to high LBP-related disability group, patients in the low LBP-related disability group performed better in one-leg stance on the left leg (z = -2.081, p = 0.037). For Y-balance test, patients in the low LBP-related disability group also had greater normalized values of left leg reach in posteromedial (t = 2.108, p = 0.038) direction and composite score (t = 2.261, p = 0.026) and of right leg reach in posteromedial (t = 2.185, p = 0.032), and posterolateral (t = 2.137, p = 0.036) directions as well as composite score (t = 2.258, p = 0.027). Factors associated with postural balance impairments were also revealed, such as anxiety, depression, and fear avoidance belief. The greater the dysfunction degree, the worse the CLBP patient's postural balance impairment. Negative emotions could also be considered contributing factors for postural balance impairments.

Characteristics of Low Back Pain in Medical Students of Muhammadiyah Jakarta University Class of 2019 After Online Class for One Semester

Introduction: Lower back pain (LBP) is a complaint that is often felt by everyone in everyday life. In 2010 the Global Burden of Disease Study estimated low back pain to be one of the top ten diseases and injuries with the highest number in the world. According to research conducted by Altinel in 2008, about 62% of adults experience LBP as a result of sitting too long in the wrong position. The wrong sitting attitude of someone at work will affect the unfavorable results of their work. Method: This research is a descriptive analytic survey research, which aims to know about low back pain of the students of the Medical Education Study Program Class of 2019. approach used in this study is "cross sectional study", with a total sample of 113 respondents. Result: From the 113 respondents the results of research conducted through a questionnaire, there were 59 respondents (52.2%) who were researched having a low back pain. In the category based on the length of study, 59 respondents (52.2%) experienced LBP complaints and the results of statistical analysis (P = 0.030) where there was a significant relationship between the length of study and LBP complaints. In the category of the relationship between sitting position when doing online, there were 59 respondents (52.2%) and the results of statistical analysis (P = 0.526), there was no significant relationship in the position category when doing online with LBP complaints and in the sitting position category when learning was obtained 59 respondents (52.2%) and the results of statistical analysis (P = 0.183), namely that there was no significant relationship in the category of learning position with LBP complaints. Conclusion: There is no significant relationship between learning position and length of study with complaints of low back pain in students of 2019 Medicine Program of Muhammadiyah Jakarta University. Because, the improper sitting position and duration of study are not solely factor that lead to low back pain.

LOW BACK PAIN ESTIMATES IN PROFESSIONAL SOCCER: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of low back pain (LBP) in adult professional soccer players. Systematic review and meta-analysis. The review included 44 studies. The pooled prevalence of LBP during ≤ 1 season was 1% (95%CI = 0-4%) in men. The pooled point prevalence of LBP was 25% (95%CI = 16-36%) in men and 28% (95%CI = 20-37%) in women. The pooled past-year prevalence of LBP was 34% (95%CI = 24-44%) in men. The pooled lifetime prevalence of LBP was 32% (95%CI = 25-39%) in men and 50% (95%CI = 32-69%) in women. The pooled frequency of LBP/total number of injuries was 2% (95%CI = 1-3%) in men and 4% (95%CI = 2-5%) in women. The pooled incidence rate of LBP/1,000 player-hours of exposure was 0.30 (95%CI = 0.17- 0.53) in men and 0.32 (95%CI = 0.06 -1.87) in women. The recurrence of LBP ranged from 3% to 63% in men. The intensity of LBP ranged from 1.68 (2.39) to 4.87 (2.14) points on a 0-10 scale (minimum = 0 and maximum = 8 points). The severity of LBP (days absent from professional activities due to pain) ranged from 2 (0) to 10 (19) days (minimum = 1 and maximum = 28 days). Adult elite soccer players have a substantial prevalence of LBP. The frequency and incidence of LBP (compared with other conditions and sports) seems to be low. Estimates of the recurrence, intensity, and severity of LBP are uncertain. Level of Evidence II, Systematic Review of Level II Studies.

Clinical characteristics of early-stage lumbar spondylolysis detected by magnetic resonance imaging in male adolescent baseball players

BackgroundMany adolescent athletes experience low back pain; the most common cause is lumbar spondylolysis. Although early identification of lumbar spondylolysis in adolescent athletes is critical, few studies have focused on identifying the early stages of spondylolysis in baseball players. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of early-stage spondylolysis in male adolescent baseball players. MethodsThe participants comprised male junior and high school baseball players. Before magnetic resonance imaging, we recorded their demographic data, low back pain characteristics, and physical findings (lumbar flexion, extension, Kemp's test and the provocative tenderness of a spinous process). After the imaging evaluation, the association among low back pain characteristics, physical findings and the final diagnosis (early-stage spondylolysis or not) were investigated using univariate and multivariable analyses. ResultsA total of 171 players were included in this study. Univariate analyses indicated that the characteristics associated with early-stage spondylolysis were longer duration of low back pain (P = 0.0085), low back pain-related interference while running (P = 0.0022), low back pain starting with laterality (P = 0.0001), lumbar extension (P = 0.022), positive Kemp's test (P = 0.020), and the tenderness of a spinous process (P = 0.0003). After adjusting for confounding factors (age and position), we found that early-stage spondylolysis was significantly associated with low back pain duration ≥4 weeks (odds ratio 3.13, 95% confidence interval 1.42–6.92; P = 0.0048), low back pain-related interference while running (odds ratio 2.89, 95% confidence interval 1.30–6.46; P = 0.0094), low back pain starting with laterality (odds ratio 2.78, 95% confidence interval 1.24–6.27; P = 0.0133), and the tenderness of a spinous process (odds ratio 3.00, 95% confidence interval 1.36–6.57; P = 0.0062). ConclusionsMale adolescent baseball players with early-stage spondylolysis might have low back pain duration of more than four weeks, low back pain-related interference while running, and a history of low back pain starting with laterality. The tenderness of a spinous process might be helpful in the diagnosis of early-stage spondylolysis in male adolescent baseball players.

Prevalence and risk factors analysis for low back pain among occupational groups in key industries of China

BackgroundWith the acceleration of industrialization and population aging, low back pain (LBP) has become the leading cause of life loss years caused by disability. Thus, it places a huge economic burden on society and is a global public health problem that needs urgent solution. This study aimed to conduct an epidemiological investigation and research on a large sample of workers in key industries in different regions of China, determine the incidence and distribution characteristics of LBP, explore the epidemic law, and provide a reference basis for alleviating global public health problems caused by LBP.MethodsWe adopted a modified epidemiological cross-sectional survey method and a stratified cluster sampling method. All on-duty workers who fulfill the inclusion criteria are taken as the research participants from the representative enterprises in key industries across seven regions: north, east, central, south, southwest, northwest, and northeast China. The Chinese version of the musculoskeletal disease questionnaire, modified by a standardized Nordic questionnaire, was used to collect information, and 57,501 valid questionnaires were received. Descriptive statistics were used, and multivariate logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05) was performed to explore the association between musculoskeletal disorders and potential risk factors.ResultsLBP annual incidence among workers in China’s key industries is 16.4%. There was a significant difference in LBP incidence among occupational groups across different industries (p < 0.05). The multivariate regression model showed the following as risk factors for LBP: frequent repetitive movements with the trunk, working in the same positions at a high pace, trunk position, frequently turning around with your trunk, often working overtime, lifting heavy loads (i.e., more than 20 kg), education level, staff shortage, working age (years), cigarette smoking, use of vibration tools at work, body mass index, lifting heavy loads (i.e., more than 5 kg), and age (years). Physical exercise, often standing at work, and absolute resting time were protective factors.ConclusionLBP incidence among key industries and workers in China is high. Thus, it is urgent to take relevant measures according to the individual, occupational, and psychosocial factors of LBP to reduce the adverse impact of LBP on workers’ health.

Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Low Back Pain among Operating Room Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Study in South of Iran.

BackgroundLow back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders and the most common cause of activity restriction in people younger than 45 years. Nurses have a high incidence and prevalence of low back pain in terms of physical and emotional factors among healthcare workers. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of low back pain.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was performed on 385 operating room personnel of the hospitals affiliated with Shiraz (the largest city in southern Iran) University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected via a research-made developed questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of two parts, including the demographic information and prevalence and dimensions of low back pain.ResultsThe results showed that the prevalence of low back pain was 74% among operating room personnel. There was a significant relationship among low back pain, education level, and marital status (p < 0.05).ConclusionHospital managers should reduce the prevalence of this disorder among operating room staff by teaching preventative patient handling techniques via training courses.

Effectiveness of Muscle Energy Technique as Compared to Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation in Non-Specific Low Back Pain: RCT

Background: Approximately 80% of peoples experience LBP during their lifetime. While a specific cause of low back pain can seldom be identified, the most prevalent type is mechanical &amp; non-specific low back pain. This study was designed to evaluate the two manual techniques i.e., MET &amp; PNF in participants with non-specific low back pain. MET is used to decrease pain &amp; the PNF goal is the facilitation of the agonist’s muscle. Objectives:A Study to find the effectiveness of MET as compared to PNF to reduce pain and improve strength and function in participants with LBP to get the best results &amp; greater benefits for the population. Methods: In a 6-weeks intervention study, 45 participants with features of low back pain were studied. They were divided into 3 groups by simple random sampling; Group A received MET, Group B received PNF, and Group C is the control group. Pre and post-treatment data were collected and analyzed using SPSS 22.0. Paired t-test and One Way ANOVA were used to find out the significance of the treatment. Results: A significant improvement in pain, disability through the NPRS, RMDQ scale (p‹0.05), and PWB after the treatment was found. A greater statistically significant difference was seen in Group A as compared to Group B &amp; Group C. Conclusion: The study concluded that the MET is more effective compared to the PNF &amp; control group treating participants with LBP. Keywords: Non-Specific LBP, Muscle Energy Technique, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, NPRS, RMDQ

Characteristics of low back pain and its countermeasures among elderly population living in sub-urban area of Japan -Based on the results obtained from the longitudinal analysis of the Shiraniwa Study-

Characteristics of low back pain and its countermeasures among elderly population living in sub-urban area of Japan -Based on the results obtained from the longitudinal analysis of the Shiraniwa Study-