Prevalence and extent of low back pain and low back-related disability in non-care-seeking working-age adults. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Vraa, Matthew; Pascoe, Stephanie; Maddox, Daniel; Rhon, Daniel I.; Cleland, Joshua A.; Young, Jodi L.
• Is Part Of: Musculoskeletal science and practice. Volume 60(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: Low back pain -- Health behavior -- Patient acceptance of health care -- Patient-reported outcome measures; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Musculoskeletal system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Manipulation (Therapeutics); Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment; Physical therapy; Manipulation, Orthopedic; Musculoskeletal Diseases -- therapy; Neuromuscular Diseases -- therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2022.102572
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-8630

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To explore the prevalence and extent of low back pain (LBP) and low back-related disability in working-age adults not seeking care. Methods: A convenience sample of 101 working-age adults not seeking care for LBP completed the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) as measures of disability and completed questionnaires that collected information on various demographic and health-related variables. Those reporting current LBP also completed a Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Prevalence was assessed based on a dichotomization of whether any disability or pain was reported and also as a continuous variable to assess the extent of pain and disability present for each participant. Results: Of the 101 participants, 72.3% reported some level of disability (ODI mean = 7.91%, RMDQ mean = 2.63) and 46.5% reported some level of pain (NRPS mean = 3.68). Previous care-seeking for LBP was associated with increased odds of reporting disability (ODI odds ratio [OR] 7.91, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.43 to 31.18; RMDQ OR 2.69, 95% CI, 1.05 to 7.24), as was reporting any current LBP (ODI OR 9.45, 95% CI, 3.15 to 33.21; RMDQ OR 7.03, 95% CI, 2.82 to 18.89). No other demographic or health-related variables were associated with the presence or extent of pain or disability. Conclusion: Many non-care-seeking individuals reported some level of LBP and/or disability, suggesting that some level of pain and disability may be considered normal, acceptable, or manageable. One-third of individuals with no pain reported some disability. Highlights: Many individuals not seeking care for LBP report some pain and/or related disability. Current LBP and previous care-seeking are associated with increased odds of disability. Nearly half of those reporting no current LBP or history of care-seeking report disability. Some pain and/or disability may be normal or acceptable among non-care-seeking individuals. Further research is needed to establish reasons for not seeking care. Abstract : Mini Abstract: Low back pain (LBP) and low back-related disability are present in many individuals not seeking care for LBP. Current LBP and previous care-seeking for LBP are associated with increased odds of reporting disability in those not currently seeking care for LBP.