Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 124 Studies
1Department of Health Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, 71491, Saudi Arabia.
Purpose:
Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, numerous studies have reported varying prevalence rates across populations and timeframes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the available evidence to estimate the prevalence of LBP in Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Arab World Research Source, and Global Index Medicus from inception to January 2026. Quality was assessed, and pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models. Sensitivity analyses were performed, and subgroup analyses were conducted based on sex, age group, population type, province, geographical region, and data collection period.
Results:
A total of 124 studies (n = 146,552 participants) were included. Most studies targeted health workers (n = 52; 41.9%), were conducted in Riyadh province (n = 28; 22.6%), and were methodologically acceptable (n = 94; 75.8%). Prevalence estimates for point, week, year, and lifetime were 26.7% (95% CI = 16.7-39.9%; n = 16), 27.2% (95% CI = 23.7-31.1%; n = 53), 52.3% (95% CI = 49.1-55.5%; n = 100), and 64.0% (95% CI = 55.3-71.9%; n = 28), respectively, with significant heterogeneity observed (I² = 97.5-99.7%, p < 0.0005). Higher prevalence was observed among females and health workers. Regional and temporal variations were identified, with increasing trends for week and year prevalence from the 2010s to the 2020s.
Conclusion:
LBP appears to be common across multiple population groups in Saudi Arabia, with higher prevalence among females and health workers. These findings support the need for targeted preventive strategies. However, the estimates should be interpreted with caution due to substantial heterogeneity across studies and the predominance of occupational and student-based samples, which may limit their generalizability. Further research in underrepresented populations and regions is warranted.
