Abstract
Low back pain is a common complaint and reason for patients to seek medical help. Studies have shown that 80% of people over 60 yrs of age will have suffered from it at one point in their lives. Low back pain, after the common cold, is the 2nd most common reason for patients to visit medical practitioners.
Aim.
The purpose of this survey was to establish a patient profile, risk factors, previous management and care strategies for patients presenting to the Orthopaedic Out Patient Department at an Academic Hospital with low back pain.
Method.
We reviewed 257 patients during a 6 month period from July 2010- December 2010.0.
Patients were excluded if there were: XR deformities (eg. spondylolistheses, masses, cysts etc); associated neurology, incontinence or constitutional symptoms; previous vertebral column fracture or surgery or current malignancy. Patients referred for first visits were also excluded.
Results.
There were 206 females and 51 males. The average age of patients was 55 yrs. The average duration of symptoms was 6 months and the average duration of clinical follow-up at the institution was 8 months.
The occupational setback due to this affliction was great: 23% were unemployed due to the pain and 21% receiving Disability Grants for it.
The average BMI of these patients was 35. A smoking and alcohol history was not conspicuous and very few patients had a history of trauma.
The investigative and treatment strategy and implementation in these patients was haphazard.
