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Low Back Pain and Work-Related Risk Factors among Drivers of Pondicherry
Authors: Dr. Ajeet Jaiswal
Number of views: 377
Several international scientific investigators proved that long-term whole-body
vibration from engines and vehicles is an important mechanical stress factor
contributing to early and accelerated degenerative spine diseases, leading to back
pain and prolapsed discs. Poor body posture, inadequate seat support and fatigue
of back muscles have been described as co-factors in the pathogenesis of
musculoskeletal disorders of the spine in operators/drivers. A survey of drivers
was conducted to determine the actual situation of drivers’ low back pain
(LBP). The survey was carried out in September- October, 2013, the target drivers
were asked to complete a questionnaire which contains questions regarding
physique of drivers, demographic features, working conditions, office
environment, health conditions, the presence of low back pain, the level of low
back pain based on Visual Analogue Scale and Roland-Morris Disability
Questionnaire score. As a result, the total number of valid responses was 667 and
the response rate was 74 percent, and the 1-week prevalence of LBP was 22.9
percent of respondents. Regarding 158 subjects with LBP, Visual Analogue Scale
(VAS) averaged 4.1. There was a positive weak correlation between VAS
and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire score (R=0.41). And Logistic
regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between LBP
and occupational factors, the results suggested following items as risk factors;
such as history of LBP, suffering from fatigue, diseases other than LBP and
smoking habit.