A Cross-Sectional Study to Determine the Prevalence, Symptoms and Risk Factors Associated with Low Back Pain and Sciatica in District Nowshera, Pakistan
A Cross-Sectional Study to Determine the Prevalence, Symptoms and Risk Factors Associated with Low Back Pain and Sciatica in District Nowshera, Pakistan
Sheeza Iqbal* and Asima Azam
ABSTRACT
Present study was planned to determine the prevalence of sciatica with age and gender in district Nowshera and to identify symptoms and associated risk factors among male and female patients. The cross-sectional study was conducted at Qazi Hussain Ahmed Medical Complex from March to July 2020 in district Nowshera, Pakistan. A total of 150 patients with sciatica were analysed. All the patients were diagnosed with MRI, CT scan, spinal X-rays and straight leg raising (SLR) test. Of the 150 sciatica patients, 88 (58.7%) were females and 62 (41.3%) males. The prevalence of sciatica was found to increase with age, heavy lifting, occupational workload and an inactive lifestyle. Smokers were found to be more victims of sciatica (69.3%). Post-menopausal women were found to be at highest risk of sciatica (52.2%). Sciatica is more common among females as compared to males. Post-menopausal women, male smokers and patients with a sedentary lifestyle are the major risk factors for the prevalence of sciatica.
Novelty Statement | Sciatica is the pain or discomfort if the sciatic nerve gets compressed or pinched. Sciatica can potentially cause permanent nerve damage, resulting in a loss of feeling in the affected legs. The present study will make people aware of the symptoms and predictive risk factors associated with Sciatica that will help people know about preventive measures and earlier treatment of the disorder before it worsen.
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December 2022
Vol. 37, Iss. 2, pp. 93-182
