Key findings:

Key findings from the study on low back pain awareness among Ortho OPD patients at Regional Hospital, Keylong include: 45.25% of patients were over 40 years old; 79.75% recognized regular exercise as a preventive factor; 85.25% used pain-killing gels for treatment; and a significant knowledge gap exists regarding preventive measures, highlighting the need for targeted health education programs.

What is known and what is new?

The known aspect in this abstract is the high prevalence of low back pain and its impact as a leading cause of disability worldwide. The new contribution is the assessment of knowledge and practices related to low back pain prevention among Ortho OPD patients at a specific regional hospital, revealing areas for improvement in community health education programs to promote proactive strategies for preventing and managing low back pain.

What is the implication, and what should change now?

The implication of this study is the need for enhanced community health education programs on low back pain prevention, emphasizing the importance of maintaining proper posture, regular exercise, healthy weight, and other preventive measures. Changes needed include implementing targeted educational initiatives to increase awareness and promote proactive strategies for preventing low back pain among Ortho OPD patients at Regional Hospital, Keylong.

The most common cause of disability globally is back pain, which prevents many people from working or engaging in other routine activities. These days, back discomfort is known to afflict a substantial section of the population. Most people at some point in their life experience low back pain. Due to its enormous prevalence, back pain is viewed as a widespread problem, but if a few simple lifestyle changes and precautions are made and followed correctly, they can lead to a strong, healthy back that is pain-free. [1,2]

One of the best ways to prevent back pain is to keep your back healthy. Even minor back discomfort has a detrimental effect on day-to-day activities and mental health. It is a major contributor to impairment on a global scale and one of the most frequent causes of doctor visits and time off from work. [1,2]

People of all ages, from young children to the elderly, can have back pain. Early twenties can be the beginning of low back discomfort, which can last until adulthood. According to studies, low back pain (LBP) affects up to 80% of the general population at some point in their lives. [3,4]

Back pain can range from a little discomfort to a burning or shooting sensation. The pain may make it difficult to move or stand up straight. Pain that manifests suddenly is considered "acute." Heavy lifting or athletics may be the culprit. Pain that lasts for more than three months is referred to as chronic pain. While most low back pain patients recover, the condition commonly recurs and, in a small percentage of cases, becomes chronic and incapacitating. [5,6]

Fortunately, most episodes of back discomfort can be avoided or managed with easy procedures. Simple self-care routines and good body mechanics can typically return back function within a few weeks if prevention is failed. [7,8]

The common home remedy for it is rest and painkiller lotions and gels. People also take opioids to address back pain. Pain from exertion or mild harm often disappears with these medical interventions and rest. Surgery is not often used to alleviate back pain. [7,8]

Numerous studies conducted in different parts of India show that the public has widespread misconceptions and misinformation about low back pain. The right information at the right time is essential because this disease is mostly avoidable in order to induce a behavioral change when the populace is most receptive. The purpose of this study was to assess the awareness of low backache preventative factors and practices among Ortho OPD patients at Regional Hospital, Keylong in the Himachal Pradesh district of Lahaul and Spiti.

Objectives of the Study

1. To evaluate the knowledge of patients attending Ortho OPD towards Prevention of Low backache at Regional Hospital, Keylong in district Lahaul and Spiti of Himachal Pradesh.

2. To evaluate the practices  of patients attending Ortho OPD at Regional Hospital, Keylong in district Lahaul and Spiti of Himachal Pradesh on having  Low backache. 

• Research Approach -Descriptive

• Research Design- Cross Sectional Hospital Based Survey

• Setting of the study- Ortho OPD of  Regional Hospital, Keylong in District Lahaul & Spiti of Himachal Pradesh

• Study duration- July 2022 to  September 2022

• Study population- Ortho OPD patients in Regional Hospital, Keylong in District Lahaul & Spiti of Himachal Pradesh

• Sample size- 400 assuming 50%  adults have adequate knowledge of preventive factors for low backache and followed adequate practices of patients in case of Low backache , 5% absolute error, 95% confidence level, and 5% non response rate.

• Sampling Technique- convenience  Sampling Technique

• Sampling criteria- first five patients attending the Ortho OPD of Regional Hospital, Keylong everyday were selected till the completion of sample size after explaining the purpose of the study. Informed consent/assent was taken from  them and confidentiality  of the selected  participants was also maintained 

• Inclusive Criteria- Patients selected during the day of data collection in study setting and who were willing to participate in the study.

• Exclusion Criteria: Patients who were not willing to participate in the study 

• Development of Tool-Knowledge related questionnaires

• Description of Tool

Section A-Socio-demographic characteristics of the patients (Age, Gender etc.).

Sections B- Questions regarding knowledge of preventive factors for low backache and practices of patients in case of Low backache.

• Validity of tool - by the experts in this field

• Permission- obtained from the concerned head of the Regional Hospital, Keylong

• Data collection by the researcher themselves and patients were given 5 minutes time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time.

• Data analysis- Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spreadsheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies, percentage, mean standard deviation etc.

• Ethical Considerations- Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained

The present study was Non-experimental descriptive study carried out to evaluate knowledge of preventive factors for low backache and practices of patients in case of Low backache at Regional Hospital, Keylong in District Lahaul & Spiti of Himachal Pradesh.

In the present study 54.75% (219) of the Patients fall were below 40 years of age while 45.25% (181) were above 40 years.  55.5% (222)of patients were male and 44.5% (178) were female.

Table-1: knowledge of patients towards Prevention of Low backache

Among the total patients maximum 319( 79.75%)  replied that Exercise regularly helps in prevention of low backache followed by  Maintain good posture 226(56.5 %), Calcium and Vitamin D supplements 130(32.5%), Avoid heavy lifting 115 (28.75%), Good night’s sleep 59(14.75 %), Stand and sit up straight 57 (14.25 %), Maintain weight 40 (10%), Eat healthily and balanced diet 12(3%), Quit smoking 11(2.75%)  and Reduce your stress Tension and anxieties 10(2.5).(Table-1)

Table-2: Practices of patients in case Low backache

Among the total patients maximum 341(85.25%) replied that they applied of pain relief gels upon low backache followed by taking Pain relief medications 319(79.75%), Exercise Regularly  242(60.5%) , Yoga  216(54%) ,Calcium and Vitamin D supplements 210(52.5%) Massage the back 129 (32.25%) , Heat applications 103(25.75%), Cold applications 29 (7.25%) Acupressure and acupuncture 20(5%) and use Cervical collars, abdominal belts, and specific type of footwear 14(3.5%).(Table-2)

Lower back pain is a problem that affects a lot of people all around the world. Minor injuries or overuse are the most frequent reasons, but occasionally there may be no obvious reason. Lower back pain is another indicator of a medical condition. The current descriptive study's goal was to evaluate patients' routines and their knowledge of low backache preventive factors when they attended Regional Hospital, Keylong in Himachal Pradesh's District Lahaul & Spiti.

319 of the study's participants, or 79.75 percent, said that regular exercise helps to prevent low back pain. It helps to maintain muscular tone and strengthen the back to exercise frequently, precisely, and consistently, whether we practice yoga or not. Exercise improves back strength and lowers the likelihood of back pain. Stretching and strengthening muscles as well as enhancing posture can be achieved through yoga and back-strengthening exercises. [9]

In the current study, 226 patients (or 56.5%) said that good posture can reduce the risk of low back discomfort. It's important to bend properly and elevate weights. Maintaining good posture will keep the back relaxed and pain-free even after a full day of exercise. Good posture helps prevent back problems. Try not to slouch while standing or sitting. Set your back on the chair's back and sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor. If at all feasible, try to keep your knees slightly higher than your hips. Keeping your back straight while bending at the knees or hips. [9,10]

Spine fractures associated with osteoporosis commonly result in back pain. By getting enough calcium and vitamin D into your diet, osteoporosis can be avoided and bone density can be maintained. Osteoporosis makes the bones more fragile and prone to shattering. It is well known that obesity frequently contributes to back pain. Exercise and a healthy diet can help you lose weight and keep it off by assisting you in maintaining a healthy weight. Losing weight can help prevent back issues. [9,11]

Less prevalent causes of back ache may include tension and anxiety. Not only can relaxation and mindfulness techniques reduce your stress levels, but they will also benefit your health in many other ways, including by making you feel less uncomfortable. The key to both physical and mental relaxation is a good night's sleep. The amount of sleep you get, your sleeping position, and the mattress you use all have an impact on how comfortable and rested you feel when you wake up. [12]

Many survey respondents were still ignorant of the factors that can prevent LBA. Programs for community health education about LBA prevention are required. By keeping a healthy weight, sitting and standing upright, exercising regularly, and adhering to a healthy, balanced diet, We can protect our backs and prevent back pain by quitting smoking, lowering stress, tension, and anxiety, getting enough sleep, taking calcium and vitamin D supplements, and avoiding heavy lifting.

No funding sources.

None declared.

The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Regional Hospital, Keylong.

1. Acatoday. Available at: https://www.acatoay.org/Patients/What-is-Chiropractic/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics (Assessed on 1st July 2022). https://www.acatoay.org/Patients/What-is-Chiropractic/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics.

2. Mayoclinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906(Assessed on 02 July 2022)

3. Wong, Arnold YL, Jaro Karppinen, and Dino Samartzis. "Low back pain in older adults: risk factors, management options and future directions." Scoliosis and spinal disorders 12 (2017): 1-23. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13013-017-0121-3 

4. World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/priority_medicines/Ch6_24LBP.pdf(Assessed on 04 July 2022)

5. Webmd. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/back-pain/ss/slideshow-low-back-pain-overview#:~:text=Muscle%20strain%20is%20often%20the,the%20buttock%20down%20one%20leg. (Assessed on 05  August 2022)

6. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327131(Assessed on 05 August 2022)

7. Everyday health Available at: https://www.everydayhealth.com/pain-management/back-pain/quick-tips-to-help-prevent-back-pain.aspx(Assessed on 06 August 2022)

8. Narayana health. Available at: https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/back-pain-causes-and-preventive-measures/(Assessed on 07 August 2022)

9. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323204(Assessed on 09 August 2022)

10. Health Harvard Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/4-ways-to-turn-good-posture-into-less-back-pain(Assessed on 10 September 2022)

11. Bones. Available at: https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/overview#:~:text=Calcium%20and%20vitamin%20D%20are,and%20thin%2C%20leading%20to%20osteoporosis. (Assessed on 10 September 2022)

12. Pharmeasy. Available at: https://pharmeasy.in/blog/know-your-back-pain-types-causes-prevention-and-treatment/(Assessed on 11 September 2022)