Prevalence of low back pain in computer users

ABSTRACT

To study the prevalence of low back pain in computer users and how different age groups behave under prolong sitting posture on axial loading against time. A multicenter cross sectional study by initial screening questionnaire followed by further clinical examination and evaluation. Survey among students of computer institutes and the data from hospital base practice in the city of Karachi.Main out come measures: Variation in the pattern of low back pain in response to duration of work, age and gender against time was noted. Low back pain in computer users is more common in the younger age group [16-18 yrs] with a second surge [23-30 yrs] specially at the beginning of their carrier with a prevalence rate of 6.7%, mean age 30.29, std. deviation 12.744 and a frequency of male to female 22395, novice to professional 182136, single to married 192127, about 44% of VDU users developed LBP in 4 hours and 35% in 3 hours about 50% of them found to have lax back muscles.Conclusion and Clinical Relevance Low back pain is a common condition in computer users in all age groups. Working for long in faulty position; inappropriate ergonomics, old age and lack of physical exercises result in laxity of ligaments which are the main causes of back pain. Symptomatic conservative treatment with NSAIDS, muscle relaxant and regular back muscle exercises are extremely helpful