Low back pain as seen in the physiotherapy clinic of a Nigerian Teaching Hospital: A retrospective cross-sectional study

Akintayo DN; Adegbite OD; Adeleke JO; Ojedoyin OO

Authors

Akintayo DN Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences. Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
Adegbite OD Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
Adeleke JO Physiotherapy Programme, College of Health Sciences, Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria
Ojedoyin OO Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of allied health sciences, Federal university of health sciences, Ila Orangun, Osun state, Nigeria

Keywords:

Low back pain, Physiotherapy, Prevalence, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)

Abstract

Context: Low Back Pain (LBP) is a common cause of disability worldwide, affecting people of all ages. Despite its high and rising prevalence, limited hospital-based data exists on the specific patterns in Nigeria. This study retrospectively examined the prevalence and pattern of LBP among patients seen in the physiotherapy clinic at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria between January 2020 and May 2025.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 367 Orthopaedic case files was conducted, out of which 61 were extracted and met the inclusion criteria for LBP. Data on socio-demographics, pattern such as clinical diagnosis, treatment pattern and interventions, pain intensity, and functional disability were extracted. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages.

Results: The result shows that the prevalence of low back pain was 16.6% (n=61). The occupational group most affected were the non-civil servants (34, 55.7%). About 42 (68.9%) of the patients were females with a mean age of 51.59 ± 13.02 years. All of the patient had some level of functional disability with moderately severe level of pain. The most common diagnosis was lumbar spondylosis (95.1%). %) and frequently administered physiotherapy treatments was exercise therapy (83.6%), manual therapy (68.9%), and electrotherapy (55.7%).

Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of LBP among female and non-civil servant patients, with lumbar spondylosis being the dominant diagnosis and significant presence of functional disability. This pattern suggests that gender, type of work and functional disability status should be considered in the prevention and management of low back pain.