Title : Prevalence of Sciatica and factors associated with it among young and working adults
Abstract:
Background: Sciatica and back pain, often associated with irritation, inflammation, pinching, or compression in the lumbar region, radiates pain down one leg and typically affects only one side of the body. These issues have become prominent concerns in modern society due to sedentary job requirements like remote work, online classes, and poor posture.
Purpose: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of detrimental sciatica among students and office workers and assess its associated factors.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by distributing questionnaires to young adults, including students and office workers, over eight months. Before the research, approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) was obtained. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS, employing Chi-square tests to assess variable associations.
Results: We enrolled 399 participants, with 72% being females and 28% males. Approximately 38% were within the 20-25 age group. 25% of them were affected by sciatica. This study showed an association between the number of hours spent in online classes or work and the occurrence of sciatica. The factors associated with sciatica are hours spent on online classes, bending forward, lifting objects, coughing, and smoking. Among the participants, 47% reported experiencing radiating lower back pain while bending forward and 50% while lifting objects. However, our study did not find significant associations with sleeping positions, prolonged sitting, standing, or walking.
Conclusion: Our study findings indicate that sciatica and lower back pain are not commonly observed among students and office workers.
