Caregivers experience of low back pain dealing people with spinal cord injuries

Abstract

Purpose: To identify the caregivers experience of low back pain dealing people with spinal cord injuries. Objectives: The objectives of this study are to find out the association between low back pain and demographic variables. To find out the more affected age group and to know the pain severity among the caregivers and also to find out the levels of physical disability due to low back pain of caregivers to manage their activities of daily living. Methodology: The study design was cross-sectional. Total 50 samples were selected conveniently for this study from Centre for the rehabilitation of the paralyzed (CRP), Spinal cord injury unit, at Savar. Data was collected by using numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and Oswestry low back pain (ODI) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics through using SPSS software version 20.0 was used for data analysis which focused through Table, Pie chart and Bar chart. Results: Among 50 caregivers evaluated, 29(58%) were female and 21 (42%) were male caregivers. In this study, among caregivers especially more common in female caregivers. Married caregivers are more vulnerable rather than unmarried. More affected caregivers age group in between 31-40 years were 18(36%). It was found that the severity of pain among the all caregivers most of the caregivers experience pain within score (0-10), worst level of pain score were 7(n=14;28%) and usual level of pain score were 5(n=18;36%). And also least of them experience pain at right now, best level of pain and other levels of pain during the last week. Most of the caregivers 25(50%) had moderate disability, 11(22%) had severe disability and least of them experiencing minimal disability due to LBP. Conclusion: Low Back Pain is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders in daily practice and also very frequent problem in Bangladesh. LBP is more numerous in caregivers of SCI survivors than in the normal population. They need to care for their own health through Health and Safety and Ergonomics concerns from physiotherapist regarding caring for their patients and managing their everyday life. Key words: Low back pain, Caregivers, Spinal cord injury.