Evaluation of Risk Factors in Patients with Non-specific Low Back Pain Seeking Physical Therapy Services at Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka

Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is the commonest musculoskeletal complaints worldwide. Patients often present with a wide range of risk factors contributing to the onset and persistence of NSLBP. Objective: To identify and evaluate the risk factors in patients associated with NSLBP seeking physical therapy services at the Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to October 2023 at CMH Dhaka. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of NSLBP were enrolled by judgment sampling. After taking informed consent, data were collected via semi-structured questionnaire and in person interview. Results: This study represented (60.2%) male and (39.8%) female out of total 161 respondents. Most patients (67.7%) were in retired Armed Forces personnel, civil employees and families, while the remainder (32.3%) were in active military service. Maximum (37.9%) respondents were in middle age (30-40 years) group. Most of 97(60.2%) the respondents’ education level were SSC/HSC/Diploma or equivalent and monthly income 113(70%) were within 20000-50000/taka. In this study, office workers and housekeepers suffered more in acute (43.5%), subacute (47.4%), chronic (32.8%) NSLBP and subacute (26.3%), chronic (50%) NSLBP respectively. Daily 6-10 hours working personnel suffered more in acute (78.3%), subacute (100%) and chronic (66.4%) NSLBP which were statistically significant (p<0.05). Not practicing regular physical exercise showed more number in acute (52.2%) and subacute (52.2%) NSLBP cases. Conclusion: The study identified several modifiable risk factors associated with NSLBP in a military hospital setting. Proper addressing the lifestyle factors such as regular physical exercise, reducing long periods of standing and sitting posture like office worker and housekeeper, reducing daily working hours may potentially lower the prevalence and severity of NSLBP. Keywords: Non-specific low back pain, Physical exercise, Risk factors, Psychosocial stress. JAFMC Bangladesh, Vol-22, No-1, June 2026:4-8