Risk factors of Prolapsed Lumbar Intervertebral Disc (PLID) among the low back pain patients attended at CRP: A case control study

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and is one of the most common reasons people go to the physician. Low back pain, also known as lumbago, is a common symptom of the back muscles, nerve endings, and bones, especially between the lower edge of the ribs and the lower fold of the buttocks. Objective: To find out the risk factors of PLID among low back pain patients attended at CRP. Methods: A hospital based unmatched (1:1) case-control study was carried out to complete the objectives of the study. Thirty participants with low back pain were identified from musculoskeletal unit of CRP as case and another thirty patients were selected as control. The data was collected by using a structural questionnaire by face to face interview. Analysis of data: SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Results: Comparison of 30 identified cases with 30 controls revealed the highest odds ratios (OR) for positive family history (OR 2.61; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.49-3.87, intensity of physical labor at work defined as “hard” (OR 1.581; 95% CI, [0.544-4.600], and body mass index of 25.7 or more (OR 1.212, 95% CI, 0.433-3.392). A simple screening test based on the presence of any two of these three criteria has 74% sensitivity and 82% specificity to detect persons who underwent lower spine surgery due to lumbar intervertebral disc herniation or PLID in the population aged 40 years or more. Conclusion: It is possible to forecast the occurrence of a lumbar disc herniation or PLID severe enough to call for surgery on the lower spine by making use of an extremely straightforward set of parameters. By focusing on prevention within primary health care, this kind of screening could reduce the number of times people in remote regions need to have surgery. Key Words: Risk factors, prolapsed lumber intervertebral disc, low back pain WordCount:14459