Risk Factors of Low Back Pain in a General Population

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To examine the correlation between the prevalence and the risk factors of low back pain. METHOD: The number of subjects in this study was 575 men and 325 women who have visited the health center of the CHA hospital. The prevalence of low back pain was evaluated and the risk factors were assessed by history taking, physical examination and the questionnaires. Estimated factors influencing low back pain were age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, waist to hip ratio, range of motion, smoking, alcohol drinking, fitness and other disease. RESULTS: 1) Low back pain was correlated with age, sex, waist to hip ratio, flexibility, arthritis, nervous and depressive disorder and daily activities. 2) Chronic low back pain was correlated with age, right lateral bending, arthritis, cardiovascular disorder and daily activities. 3) Radicular symptom was correlated with age, left and right lateral bending, smoking, exercise, arthritis, nervous and depressive disorder, diabetes and daily activities. 4) Height, weight, body mass index and alcohol drinking had no correlation with low back pain. CONCLUSION: Understanding of the risk factors for low back pain will be helpful for providing objective standards for assessment of low back pain and preventing occurrence and recurrence of low back pain.