Frequency of LBP in pregnant women affecting activities of daily living

Abstract

Background: Low Back Pain (LBP) affects many pregnant women. Pain is often associated with varying degrees of functional limitations, causing pregnant women to carry out many everyday activities. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used to collect data with a sample size of 135 pregnant women. Functional status was measured by using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). ODI is a 10-item questionnaire, which was developed to identify functional limitations due to LBP. Each item is scored between 0 and 5, thus giving a final score expressed as a percentage. Collected data were analyzed through SPSS version 16.0. Results: Out of 135 females, 133(98.5%) were with LBP. Among 133 females with LBP, 100(75.2%) have a minimal disability, 30(22.6%) have a moderate disability, and 3(2.3%) females have a severe disability. Conclusion: LBP is common in pregnant women and causes functional limitations that affect women's daily activities and independence. Mostly women were not aware of proper treatment techniques for LBP. Physiotherapy played a vital role in minimizing LBP and further pregnancy-related complications.