Management of low back pain: - attitudes and treatment preferences of physiotherapists in Nigeria

Abstract

Back Pain is one of the most frequent reasons for visiting a general practitioner or physical therapist. The objectives of this study were to investigate the attitudes and treatment preferences of Physiotherapists in Nigeria about the management of Low back Pain. A survey of 101 practicing physiotherapists from selected health institutions was carried out using a structured questionnaire. The results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics of Chi – square at 0. 0 5. More than 90% of the physiotherapists surveyed recommended review of x-rays, and palpation methods, in the evaluation of patients, About 70% employed assessment of posture, McKenzie evaluation, Sacroiliac joint and neurological screening. The common treatment preferences by 83% of the physiotherapists surveyed was education regarding proper body mechanics in daily activities. More than 82.5% of the physiotherapists perceived McKenzie approach as very effective, while 60% rated it as most useful method in managing LBP. About 23% of the subjects believed muscle strain and disc problem as the principal underlying causes of LBP among their patients. It was concluded that McKenzie approach was the most effective and useful method for managing LBP and education in proper body mechanics in daily activities was preferred in the management of LBP.
(Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 10: 41 – 49, January 2007)

Keywords: Attitudes, Preferences, Physiotherapists, Back pain management.