Evaluation of Risk Factors in Patients with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Chronic low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide.
• Numerous risk factors, including posture, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status, are associated with low back pain.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between chronic low back pain and various risk factors in a Bangladeshi population.
• To identify specific postural, educational, and lifestyle factors contributing to low back pain.
• To determine the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain in the study setting.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with 64 patients experiencing low back pain (cases) and 64 controls without low back pain.
• Data on demographic information, posture, sleep habits, education, income, and body mass index (BMI) were collected using a structured questionnaire.
• Statistical analyses, including Odds Ratio and Chi-square tests, were employed to determine significant associations.

Main Results:

• The point prevalence of low backache was 63.0%.
• Significant risk factors identified include bending and twisting movements (Odds Ratio=4.6), sleeping less than 6 hours (Odds Ratio=5.212), lower educational attainment (p<0.05), and being overweight (p<0.05).
• Overweight individuals constituted 38.3% of cases compared to 23.4% of controls.

Conclusions:

• Low back pain is highly prevalent in Bangladesh.
• Bending/twisting movements, lower education levels, and higher BMI are significant risk factors for low back pain.
• Targeted interventions focusing on posture, education, and weight management are recommended for low back pain prevention.