Prevalence and Management of Nonspecific Low Back Pain in Physiotherapy Students

Introduction: Low back pain is a significant health problem in all developed countries and is one of the most common cases that appear near health facilities to seek treatment. The prevalence and incidence of LBP is unchangable almost every year worldwide, being described as a pain that causes instability and inability to work, disrupts the quality of life and the reason for more frequent medical visits. The purpose of this study: The purpose of this study is to indetify and study the prevalence of nonspecific Low Back Pain among the Physical Therapy students of the Faculty of Technical Medical Science in the University of Medicine Tirana. Also this study aim’s to study the characteristics of Low Back Pain and how does it affect the every day lives of students. Methodology: This study included 80 students (73 females and 7 males) of the Physical Therapy on their Science Master Degree, first year (n=42) and second year (n=38). Students filled a questionnaire and to be participants on this study they must furfill some criteria defined by the study. Results: By the end of the study was discovered that the prevalence of nonspecific Low Back Pain among students was 73%. The mean value of pain intensity according to Visual Analogue Scale was 3.77. Where 36% of the subjects exprerienced a mild pain, 55% e moderated pain and 9% a severe pain. Disability according to the Oswestry Disability Index was 19% (minimal disability). Conclusions: In conclusion according to this study Physical Therapy students in Albania have a high prevalence of Low Back Pain among them. Low Back Pain can be an ocupational risk and may cause disability on this student group. Risk factors and the causes of Low Back Pain remain to be studied.