Prevalence of low back pain among students

Introduction. Low back pain is a very common G-force (Gravity-force) illness. Approximately 80% of the population suffer from low back pain at least once in their lifetime. The main causes of this condition are: an improper preparation of the spine to the erect position within the evolutionary process, weak muscles and a lack of basic knowledge concerning the biomechanics of the human body. Low back pain most frequently affects people at the working age, i.e. from 30 to 60 years old. It has been observed that low back pain tends to be recurring and frequently becomes chronic. Aim. The aim of this study was to analyse the prevalence of low back pain in the group of 40 students. This group was selected for the research because of their lifestyles which may contribute to the appearance of low back pain. The following factors were analysed: causes of low back pain, its frequency and intensity. Materials and methods. This study involved a group of 40 third year students of Nursery at the Faculty of Medical Science of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn. The selected students were between 21 and 27 years of age. The questionnaire method was applied to carry out the research. Results and conclusions. The obtained results indicate that the age of people who suffer from low back pain is dropping. 75% of the respondents, aged between 21 and 27, manifested low back pain. The risk factors for such ailments include: additional work, sitting lifestyle and mental exhaustion. The presence of low back pain was connected with: G-force (Gravity-force) – in 35.09% of the cases, work – 21.05% of the cases, standing for a long time – in 21.05% of the cases. The frequency of low back pain was high in 50% of the cases, i.e. the respondents experienced pain several times a month. 50% of the respondents suffered from low back pain more often than once a month, 30% once a month, and the remaining 20% less frequently. The intensity of low back pain amounted, on average, to 4.17 points in the visual–analog scale. The obtained results should not be generalized. Further research needs to be carried out involving a bigger group of people and the results should be verified.