ASSOCIATION OF RISK FACTORS WITH THE INCIDENCE OF LUMBAR PAIN SYNDROME IN PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AT THE CLINIC FOR PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION

Introduction: Lumbar pain syndrome encompasses various entities manifested by pain, muscle tension, or discomfort between the lower rib arch and the lower gluteal fold, with or without radiation to the leg.Aim: To examine the association of existing risk factors with the incidence of lumbar pain syndrome in physiotherapists.Subjects and Methods: The research was designed as a cross-sectional study and conducted at the Clinic for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Clinical Hospital Mostar. The study included physiotherapists of both genders and all age groups who did not have a previous history of spinal disease and had more than one year of work experience. Data were collected through anonymous surveys, and the modified Nordic Questionnaire for musculoskeletal symptom analysis was used as the research instrument. This questionnaire consists of four parts: socio-demographic data, healthcare provision, lower back pain, and job satisfaction.Results: The prevalence of lumbar pain in the last 12 months was around 94.0%. The study involved 56 participants, most of whom were female, with the majority being in the 31-40 age group with higher education. Males were slightly overweight, and the duration of lumbar pain was associated with the gender of the participants.Conclusion: Participants who lifted heavier loads experienced significantly more lumbar spine pain, while the duration of work experience was not significantly associated with the incidence of lumbar pain syndrome. Keywords: lower back pain, risk factors, physical activity, daily life activities, physiotherapists