Investigation of the factors affecting disability level in patients with low back pain

Abstract

Background: This study was planned to investigate the factors affecting disability level in patients with low back pain. Method: One hundred and ninety-five (126 female; 69 male) patients with low back pain, who applied to Neurosurgery Outpatient Clinic in Pamukkale University between January 2016 and December 2016. Pain intensity, disability level and questions about factors affecting disability level were saved together with demographic characteristics of patients. It was used Visual Analog Scale for determining pain intensity and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for disability level. Results: Mean age of patients was 48.22±16.46 years. Mean of pain intensity was 6.25±2.30 and pain duration 99.45±225.77 weeks. Mean of disability level was 45.45±18.78. 119(61%) of patients while walking, 106(54.4%) of patients when standing for a long time and 103(52.8%) of patients during forward bending stated that an increase the disability level. Mostly, it was seen that walking, not working regularly and going downhill are the factors that increase pain. 137(70.3%) of the patients stated that their daily lives were partially affected because of low back pain, 49(25.1%) of the patients became unable to do anything due to pain and 9(4.6%) of the patients did not affect their daily lives. Discussion: Because patients of low back pain do not use appropriate body mechanics in their daily routines or not pay attention to protective principles, disability level seriously affects activities of daily living. In this regard, raising awareness of patients is important in terms of preventive precautions.