Evaluating the Causes of Backache in Young People and Recommending Preventive Measures: A Study from Tarbela
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51253/pafmj.v74i4.10750Keywords:
Back pain, Low Back Pain, Spine, Young People.Abstract
Objective: To find risk factors for backache in Young People (under 50 years) and recommend preventive measures.
Study Design: Cross-sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Surgery, Combined Military Hospital, Tarbela Pakistan, from Jan to Mar 2023
Methodology: A questionnaire was developed to investigate the occupation-related issues in Young People reporting with low backache in surgical OPD at CMH Tarbela. It included personal and occupational factors. On hundred and seven Young Patients (under 30 years) were enrolled in the study.
Results: Mean age of participants was 35.15±4.89 years, mean weight was 71.17±7.94 kg and height was from 172.39±4.33 cm. Twenty-seven (25.2%) were smokers and 26(24.3%) had family history of backache. Seventy-six (71.0%) were performing hard duties and 31(29.0%) light duties. In 41(38.3%) backache was due to exertion, while in 92(86%) sleeping on charpoy appeared to be the cause. Fifty-eight (54.2%) had pain for less than 1 month, while 29(27.1%) reported having severe pain. Fifty-two (48.6%) of the patients had Radiological tests and 37(34.6%) were given medication, 16(15%) had physiotherapy and 54(50.5%) were treated with both. Pain completely settled in 21(19.6%), decreased in 71(66.4%) and no relief in 15(14%) of cases.
Conclusion: This study shows that the most likely cause of backache is musculoskeletal because it was short lived without any significant radiological findings and responded to medication and physiotherapy. It can be prevented by avoiding smoking, reducing body weight, sleeping on bed/floor, optimal weightlifting, balanced physical training and annual spinal radiological checkup.
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