Low Back Pain, Neck Pain and Degenerative Back Pain in Chad: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Objective: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic features of degenerative spine diseases managed in Chad. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study conducted in the Rheumatology Department of the National Referral Hospital and the Internal Medicine Department of the Hospital of Refondation in Chad, from January 2019 to December 2024. We included patients with a degenerative spinal condition confirmed clinically and radiographically (Kellgren & Lawrence). Results: Of 6196 records, 3880 (62.6%) involved degenerative disease. The mean age was 58.4 years (25 - 85), and 65% were women. Low back pain accounted for 57.8% of consultations, followed by neck pain (23.6%) and thoracic pain (12.1%). Radiographic findings mainly included disc degeneration (65%), osteophytes (52%) and disc space narrowing (43%). Management relied on analgesics, NSAIDs, physical therapy, infiltrations, and surgery in 4% of cases. Conclusion: Degenerative spine diseases are the leading cause of spine-related consultations in Chad. Their functional burden calls for integrated prevention and management strategies adapted to local resources.