To determine the frequency of lower back pain in 40 to 60 years old women.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2019 at Islamabad and Rawalpindi. 370 middle age women of age between 40 to 60 years were included in the study through non-probability convenient sampling technique. Scales used are ‘NPRS’ scale for the proper scaling of Pain intensity, ‘Oswestry Lower Back disability questionnaire’ to evaluate lower back pain disability level, and self-Structured questionnaires were used for demographic. Subjects were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, with the consent of the participants. Data were analyzed by using SPSS v.21.
Result:
The mean age of participants is 52 ±8.48 year, frequency of lower back pain in middle age women is 69% in twin cities. On analysis, the study found that 84% of women had back pain. Intensity at the lower back was mild to moderate on NPRS (1-5), 78.27% and Moderate to Sever on NPRS (6-10) was 21%. Participants explained the nature of pain as ‘Localized’ and ‘Radiating’, 66% and 34%. According to Oswestry’s interpretation, 49% of women had a minimal disability and 29% had moderate disability, 12% had Sever disability and 12% was crippled.
Conclusion:
Findings of this study suggest that a significant number of middle-aged women have lower back pain with noticeable intensity and disability rate. This prevalence is an alarming sign for our society.