THE EFFECT OF SITTING POSTURE ON THE INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF LOW BACK PAIN IN ADULT POPULATION – SURVEY STUDY

Low back pain is one of the most common complaints worldwide. The modern lifestyle, characterized by a lot of time spent sitting, is one of the main risk factors for the development of back pain. In particular, poor sitting posture and prolonged maintenance of the same position contribute to the overloading of spinal structures, which increases the risk of developing painful conditions. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the adult respondents' sitting posture and the frequency and severity of back pain. Materials and methods: The research material was collected by means of an anonymous self-administered questionnaire involving 261 people aged 18 years and older. The results obtained were analyzed and verified against the scientific literature available in the online database (PubMed, Google Scholar) and statistically processed using Microsoft Office Excel. Results: A total of 261 people (117 aged 18-45), 171 men and 90 women, took part in the survey. As many as 93% of respondents experienced back pain while or after sitting. It mostly affected the lumbar and sacral spine. Sitting-related pain affected daily functioning in almost 45% of the respondents. In addition, the respondents admitted breaks and exercise as the most common methods to relieve a sitting-induced pain. Conclusions: We found a strong association between sitting posture and the occurrence of back pain in the adult population. The frequency and intensity of pain is higher among people who spend many hours in a sedentary position without taking care of good posture and comfortable working conditions. The results also suggest the need of education to improve the effectiveness of preventive measures and the quality of life in people with back pain.