Back discomfort is the number one cause of disability worldwide, keeping many individuals from working or engaging in other regular activities. These days, a large portion of the population is seen to be affected by back discomfort. Most people experience low back discomfort at some point in their lives. Back pain is seen as a widespread issue due to its high prevalence, but if a few straightforward lifestyle adjustments and precautions are taken and followed properly, they can result in a strong, healthy back that is pain-free [1,2].

Maintaining a healthy back is one of the best strategies to avoid back discomfort. Even mild back pain has a negative impact on daily activities as well as mental health. It is a primary cause of impairment globally and one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor or take time off from work [1,2].

Back pain can affect people of all ages, from adolescents to the elderly. Low back pain can start in a person's early twenties and continue on throughout adulthood. Studies have shown that up to 80% of the general populations are affected by low back pain (LBP) at some time during their lives [3,4].

From a subtle ache to a searing or shooting feeling, back pain can vary. It could be difficult to move or stand up straight due to the pain. "Acute" pain is pain that suddenly develops. Sports or heavy lifting could cause it. Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for longer than three months. Although most sufferers of low back pain heal, the condition frequently recurs and, in a tiny proportion of cases, becomes chronic and incapacitating [5,6].

Fortunately, most back pain episodes can be prevented or treated with simple steps. If prevention is unsuccessful, straightforward self-care regimens and sound body mechanics can usually restore function to the back within a few weeks [7,8].

Rest and analgesic creams and gels are typically used to treat it at home. To treat back discomfort, people also take painkillers. With these medical treatments and rest, pain from effort or minor damage typically goes away. Back pain is typically treated without surgery [7,8].

Numerous research carried done in various regions of India demonstrate widespread misunderstandings and misinformation concerning low back pain among the population. In order to affect a behavioural change when the populace is most receptive, the proper information at the right time is crucial because this disease is mainly preventable. Thus, this study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the awareness regarding low backache preventive factors and Practices followed among Ortho OPD patients at civic hospital Theog.

Objectives of the Study

• To evaluate the knowledge of patients attending Ortho OPD towards Prevention of Low backache in civil hospital Theog.

• To evaluate the practices of patients attending Ortho OPD in civil hospital Theog on having Low backache

Research Methodology

• Research Approach -Descriptive

• Research Design-Descriptive survey design

• Setting of the study- Ortho OPD of civil hospital Theog

• Study duration- between August 2018 to October 2019

• Study population- Ortho OPD patients in civil hospital Theog.

• Sample size-400 Ortho OPD patients

• Sampling Technique- convenience Sampling Technique

• Sampling criteria- first five patients attending the Ortho OPD of civil hospital Theog 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 civil hospital

• Data collection by myself and patients was given 5 minutes time to complete that questionnaire and collected at the end of the prescribed time

• Data analysis with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage

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 in civil hospital Theog. 

In the present study 52.5% (210) of the Patients fall were below 40 years of age while 47.5% (190) were above 40 years. 56% (224) of patients were male and 44% (176) were female.

Among the total patients maximum 332 (83%) replied that Exercise regularly helps in prevention of low backache followed by Maintain good posture 235 (58.75%), Calcium and Vitamin D supplements 135 (33.75%), Avoid heavy lifting 120 (30.0%), Good night’s sleep 61 (15.25%), Stand and sit up straight 59 (14.75%), Maintain weight 42 (10.5%), Eat healthily and balanced diet 13 (3.25%), Quit smoking 11 (2.75%) and Reduce your stress Tension and anxieties 10 (2.5). (Table 1)

Table 1: Knowledge of patients towards Prevention of Low backache

Among the total patients maximum 359 (89.75%) replied that they applied of pain relief gels upon low backache followed by taking Pain relief medications 336 (84%), Exercise Regularly 255 (63.75%), Yoga 227 (56.75%), Calcium and Vitamin D supplements 221 (55.25%) Massage the back 136 (34%), Heat applications 108 (27%), Cold applications 30 (7.5%) Acupressure and acupuncture 21 (5.25%) and use Cervical collars, abdominal belts, and specific type of footwear 15 (3.75%). (Table 2)

Table 2: Practices of patients in case Low backache

Around the world, lower back pain is a highly prevalent issue. The most common causes are minor injuries or overuse, but occasionally there may be no clear cause. Another sign of an underlying medical issue is lower back pain. The purpose of the current descriptive study was to assess patients' practices and their understanding of low backache prevention variables when they visited a civil hospital Theog.

The majority of participants in the current study 332 (83%), indicated that regular exercise helps to prevent low back pain. Whether we practise yoga or exercise frequently, accurately, and with regularity, it aids in maintaining muscle tone and fortifying the back. Exercise helps strengthen your back and reduce your risk of developing back discomfort. Yoga and back-strengthening exercises can help stretch and strengthen muscles as well as improve posture [9].

In the current study, 235 (58.75%), patients stated that proper posture can help prevent low back pain. It's vital to bend and raise weights properly. Even after a full day of exercise, maintaining good posture will keep the back relaxed and pain-free. Back pain can be avoided with good posture. When sitting and standing, try to avoid slouching. Put your feet flat on the ground and sit up straight with your back on the back of the chair. Keep your knees slightly higher than your hips if at all possible. Maintain a straight back while bending at the hips or knees [9,10].

Back discomfort is frequently brought on by osteoporosis-related spine fractures. Osteoporosis can be prevented and bones can be kept strong by consuming adequate calcium and vitamin D. The bones become weaker and more prone to breaking due to osteoporosis. We are all aware that back discomfort is frequently brought on by obesity. Getting active and eating well can help you maintain a healthy weight by helping you lose weight and keep it within a reasonable range. Lowering one's weight helps prevent back problems [9,11].

Back discomfort might be caused by less common factors including tension and anxiety. Techniques for relaxation and mindfulness will not only help you feel less stressed, but they will also improve your health in many other ways, including by lessening your discomfort. A restful night's sleep is essential for both physical and mental relaxation. The length of sleep, the position taken when sleeping, and the mattress being used all effect how comfortable and refreshed you feel when you wake up [12].

Many survey participants were still unaware about preventive factors for LBA. There is a need for community health education programmes about preventive measures for LBA. By maintaining ideal weight, standing and sitting up straight, engaging in regular exercise, eating a healthy and balanced diet, by giving up smoking, reducing stress, tension, and anxiety, getting a good night's sleep, supplementing with calcium and vitamin D, and avoiding heavy lifting, we may safeguard our backs and avoid back discomfort.

1. Acatoday. “Back Pain Facts and Statistics.” Acatoday, accessed 1 May 2022, https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/What-is-Chiropractic/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics.

2. Mayoclinic. “Back Pain: Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, accessed 2 May 2022, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906.

3. Wong, A.Y., J. Karppinen, and D. Samartzis. “Low Back Pain in Older Adults: Risk Factors, Management Options and Future Directions.” Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders, vol. 12, no. 1, Dec. 2017, pp. 1–23.

4. World Health Organization. Low Back Pain: Priority Medicines. WHO, accessed 4 May 2022, https://www.who.int/medicines/areas/priority_medicines/Ch6_24LBP.pdf.

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9. Medical News Today. “Types of Back Pain and How to Manage Them.” Medical News Today, accessed 9 May 2022, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323204.

10. Harvard Health. “4 Ways to Turn Good Posture into Less Back Pain.” Harvard Health, accessed 10 May 2022, https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/4-ways-to-turn-good-posture-into-less-back-pain.

11. Bones. “Overview of Osteoporosis.” NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, accessed 10 May 2022, https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/osteoporosis/overview#:~:text=Calcium%20and%20vitamin%20D%20are,and%20thin%2C%20leading%20to%20osteoporosis.

12. Pharmeasy. “Know Your Back Pain: Types, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment.” Pharmeasy, accessed 11 May 2022, https://pharmeasy.in/blog/know-your-back-pain-types-causes-prevention-and-treatment/.