International Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Abstract
Background: Low back pain (LBP) related disability and work absence accounts for high economical costs in western society. A prevalence of 28% to 80% has been found in different occupational groups. However there is paucity of literature on studies that examine the prevalence of LBP in Indian working class especially the banking sector.

Objectives: To identify the prevalence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, impact and health care services sought for LBP in bank employees of Punjab.

Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a random sample of 250 bank employees (199 male, 51 female) aged between 30-60 years. Data was collected using interview schedule and clinical examination form. The subjects were divided in to symptomatic and asymptomatic group on the basis of presence or absence of pain at the time of examination.

Results: The point, 12 month and lifetime prevalence of LBP among the Bank employees of Punjab has emerged as 37.6%, 34% and 21.2% respectively with greater prevalence in men and in age group of 50-60years. Cigarette smoking, regular physical exercise, prolonged sitting, weakness of abdominal and back extensor muscles, hamstring and quadriceps tightness have been found to be the factors associated with LBP. Present pain has been found to be associated with history of back pain in last 1 year. A majority of the symptomatic subjects had sought alternative treatments for LBP. Bed rest followed by medicine was the most common treatment advised. The results recorded a considerable lack of awareness of Physiotherapy which varied with the level of education and socioeconomic status of the employees.

Conclusion: The results of the study have revealed that awareness programs on risk factors and physiotherapy for LBP among bank employees are vital in order to prevent and remediate this most common and costly condition afflicting the society.