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.