Analysis to Assess the Prevalence and Causes of Low Back Pain in a Known Population at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background:Low back pain (LBP) is a significant health issue in all developing nations. It is also the most frequently treated health issue in healthcare sector. Hence; the present study was undertaken for assessing the prevalence and causes of low back pain in a known population.Materials & Methods: A total of 500 patients who reported to the Department of Orthopedics, S.P. Medical College and Associated Groups of P.B.M. Hospitals, Bikaner, Rajasthan (India) were enrolled. Complete demographic data of all the patients was obtained. Thorough clinical and medical history of all the patients was assessed. Chief complaint was recorded and radiographic examination of all the patients was done. Diagnosis of low back pain was established and prevalence of CLB pain was recorded. A Performa was framed and various etiologic factors of CLB were assessed.Results: Overall prevalence of LBP was 42.4 percent. Lumbar herniated disc was present in 11.79 percent of the patients while degenerative disc disease was present in 13.68 percent of the patients. Spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis were seen in 16.04 percent and 13.21 percent of the patients respectively. Tumour and compression fracture were seen in 10.38 percent and 8.49 percent of the patients.Conclusion: LBP is a significant health issue affecting major proportion of world’s population. Degenerative disc disease, Spinal stenosis and Osteoarthritis are the major factor responsible for its occurrence