Investigating Risk Factors of Low Back Pain in Isfahan Traffic Police

Low back pain is the most common musculoskeletal disorder in military communities, especially in police. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors of low back pain in Isfahan traffic police.

Methods and Materials: 

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 Isfahan traffic police personnel in two groups of 50 healthy subjects and subjects with low back pain. A comprehensive set of risk factors of low back pain was measured in the form of work-related and non-work-related risk factors using a questionnaire and four movement tests. Measured data were analyzed using logistic regression by SPSS software version 22.

The most important non-work-related risk factors were increased age, weight, body mass index, hours of sitting, standing, and driving in non-working time, number of heavy objects lifting in non-working time, depression and anxiety and decreased physical activity in leisure time, quality and quantity of sleep, and core stability (P≤0.05). The most significant work-related risk factors included increased working history, hours of sitting and standing and the number of lumbar flexion and rotations without lifting heavy objects in working environment, working stress and decreased rest time and structured physical activity in working environment and job satisfaction (P≤0.05).

The implementation of prevention programs considering reported risk factors in this study can reduce related costs and repeated work absences, in addition to preventing low back pain in traffic police.