Clinical Characteristics of Low Back Pain

Leonard Molla, Krenar Preza

Abstract: Low Back Pain (LBP) is a problem of civilizations, with epidemiological data clearly indicating the growth of the population affected by the condition. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics of low back pain in outpatients. This is a prospective study. A total of 274 patients with lumbago were followed up at University Hospital Centre in Tirana, Albania during the years 2010-2015.The records of patients whose chief complaint was first time LBP were reviewed in detail, including their medical histories, examinations, imaging, and consultations with other specialists. Demographic data, such as age and gender, were reviewed. According to anatomical location predominates pain in the lower back alone (44.2%) followed by lower back and spine (34.3%), lower back and hip (7.2%), lower back and SIJ (4.5%). Low back pain is one of the most common reasons that patients seek care from a primary care physician.

Keywords: low back pain, clinical characteristics