What factors predispose idiopathic low back pain?

Fred Sleath                                                            Supervisor: Maria Caunce

Abstract

Objective This study has been carried out to determine any factors which may predispose individuals to develop low back pain. This includes physical characteristics of patients as well as environmental, social and psychological factors which may have an influence on a presenting complaint.

Method A survey of the of patient records from the London School of Osteopathy clinic was undertaken to discover if cases of low back pain occurred in patients who had no previous history of such problems. To exclude two major uncontrollable variables, patients’ histories were sought who were in the age-range of twenty to forty years old, to minimise any presence of age-related degeneration and additionally with no history of previous injury.

Information was also gathered regarding physical evaluation to determine any predisposing anatomical features and anomalies. Also the location of symptoms was noted which may imply certain tissues causing reported symptoms.

Results It would appear that idiopathic low back pain develops more commonly in women than men. Predominantly all sufferers are involved in occupations which involve extended periods of sitting.