Association of low back pain with self-reported risk factors among patients seeking physical therapy services.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the magnitude of association between low back pain (LBP) and self-reported factors thought to increase the risk of LBP.


METHODS
Questionnaires were completed by 150 patients who were receiving physical therapy for LBP and by 138 patients who were being treated for other reasons. The solicited information was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the LBP-risk factor association.


RESULTS
Low back pain was positively associated with smoking status, pregnancy, industrial vibration exposure, and time spent in a car (odds ratios > or = 2.21). Daily lifting, body mass index, activity level, and time sitting or standing showed at most a weak positive association with LBP. Comparisons with estimated associations from other studies were made.


CONCLUSIONS
Data from this study support a statistically significant association between LBP and some factors found in other research to increase the risk of LBP. Study findings may have implications for targeting at-risk groups for back care education or intervention programs.
Levangie
P K
PK
Physical Therapy Program, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT 06432-1000, USA. levangiep@sacredheart.edu
D000328:Adult; D001336:Automobiles; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D016017:Odds Ratio; D005082:Physical Exertion; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011187:Posture; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects