Investigation of the factors affecting pain intensity in patients with low back pain and neck pain

Abstract

Background: This study was planned to investigate the factors affecting pain intensity in patients with both low back and neck pain. Method: Seventy-nine (56 female; 23 male) patients with both low back and neck pain, who applied to Neurosurgery Outpatient Clinic in Pamukkale University between January 2016 and December 2016. Pain intensity and questions about factors affecting pain were saved together with demographic characteristics of patients. Visual Analog Scale was used to determine pain intensity Results: Mean age of patients was 46.27±14.95 years. Mean of pain intensity was 6.43±2.35 and pain duration 125.62±218.47 weeks. 53(67.1%) of patients was not working and 26(32.9%) was working regularly. 66 (83.5%) of patients do not have habit of exercise and 13(16.5%) of patients doing exercise regularly. 45(57%) of patients said their pain was constantly, 33(41.9%) of patients said their pain was occasionally, 1(1.3%) of patients said their pain was rarely. 63(79.7%) of patient when working with computer, 62(78.5%) of patients when going downhill and 62(78.5%) of patients when working stated that an increase the pain intensity. Mostly, it was seen that walking, female gender and getting out of the bed are the factors that increase pain. Discussion: It has been observed that the lack of regular exercise habits and not paying attention to ergonomic regulations during work increase the intensity of pain. Patients should be trained to gain exercise habits and explain ergonomic arrangements in the working environment.