A Cross-sectional Investigation On Low Back Pain In Tank Solders In Plateau Area

Objective: This study was planed to investigate the low back pain (LBP) prevalence and characteristics on tank solders in plateau area, and to find effective methods that can prevent or treat LBP.Methods: One thousand and forty-one cases in the region, aged 17-28 years, are examined, who met our criteria. Methods of questionnaire, clinical findings, physical status are used to finish a cross-sectional study in the area. Statistic procedure of SPSS10.0 was used to carry out which risk factors are related;Lumbar lordosis of 66 cases who have or not have LBP were constructed to evaluate lumbar curve of them;Exercise therapy was used to 33 cases who have LBP as a spot intervention. Before and after therapy Oswestry disability index (OSWI), Visual analogy scale (VAS) was used to evaluate every case.Result: About 45.9% percent of the subjects are low back pain patients in 1041 cases. Drivers of tank had low back pain more frequently (P < 0.05). With the time in army prolonged, the low back pain patients are increased, 87.5% tank drivers who had been stayed in army more than5 years have low back pain. Smoking, frequently bend of trunk and frequently lifting up are risk factors. LBP was correlated with lumbar curve decreased, lumbar lordosis with LBP was less than lumbar lordosis that without LBP (^3°). After exercise therapy OSWI, VAS is much lower than before, there is a significant difference, P<0.05. Exercise therapy is one of the effective treatments on LBP.Conclusion: In plateau area prevalence rate of low back pain in tank solders is higher, and it is increased with time prolonged in army. Tank drivers have a higher prevalence rate than other solders. And smoking, frequently bend of trunk and frequently lifting up are risk factors. LBP is correlated with lumbar curve decreased. Short terms curative effect of exercise therapy on LBP is better.