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*Corresponding author: Joshi S
ISSN: 0976-3031
Research Article
PREVALENCE OF LOW BACK PAIN AND ITS IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN POST
PARTUM WOMEN
Joshi S*1and Parikh S2
1Department of Physiotherapy, Ashok and Rita Patel Institute of Physiotherapy,
Charotar University of Science and Technology, Changa
2Department of Physiotherapy, K.M.Patel Institute of Physiotherapy,
Sardar Patel University, India
ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT
Background: Back pain is one of the most common problems during post-partum period. In the
present scenario, the families are not aware of different delivery methods and their advantages and
disadvantages and there is no system to consult them on the matter.
Objective: To compare the prevalence of back pain and its impact on quality of life after normal
vaginal delivery and after cesarean section.
Methods: After obtaining written informed consent from the patient, they were assessed for back
pain using Numerical rating scale. For the subjects who complained of back pain, Oswestry
Disability Index was taken to assess the disability level. Short Form-36(SF-36) was used to assess
the quality of life in patients with back pain.
Results: The prevalence of postpartum back pain in women with cesarean section is 56.67% .The
prevalence of postpartum back pain in women with normal vaginal delivery is 33.33%. The mean
quality of life of women with cesarean delivery with back pain is 37.25 with SD of 4.67.The mean
quality of life of women with normal vaginal delivery with back pain is 43.10 with SD of 4.6.
Conclusion: The prevalence of low back pain is higher in post-partum women with cesarean section
compared to normal vaginal delivery. The quality of life is better in postpartum women with normal
vaginal delivery than the women with cesarean section. The disability level is lower in postpartum
women with normal vaginal delivery than the women with cesarean section.
INTRODUCTION
The postnatal period –defined as the first six weeks after birth
–is critical to the health and survival of a mother and her
newborn1(Charolette& Pat,2014). It is the time after childbirth,
lasting approximately 6 weeks, during which the anatomic and
physiologic changes brought about by pregnancy resolve and a
woman adjusts to the new or expanded responsibilities of
motherhood and nonpregnant life. During the postpartum
period, hormone levels fluctuate causing musculoskeletal
issues such as excessive joint mobility, weakness of core
stabilizers, and altered spinal mobility and function.
Common Problems during post partum period are: Backache,
perineal pain, bowel problems, mastitis, psychological
problems, postpartum haemorrhage, thromboembolism,
postnatal anaemia.2(Colin Tidy et al., 2011)
Back pain is one of the most common problem during post
partum period, It is defined as axial or para-sagittal discomfort
or pain in lower lumbar region and is musculoskeletal in nature
due to combination of multiple factors like mechanical,
physiological, hormonal, circulatory, and psychosocial factors.3
(Sarvaiya Bhavisha et al, 2008).
Back pain can affect women of child bearing age whether
pregnant or not. Approximately 70% of women will report low
back pain at some point in their lives.4(American Society of
Regional Anesthesia and Pain medication). According to
F.Turgutet. al, 59.1% pregnant women had low back pain at
time of delivery and 43.2% women had low back pain 6
months post partum. It has been reported that the incidence of
back pain is significantly higher after cesarean section as
compared to normal vaginal delivery.5(Ingrid Mogren et al,
2005).
Backache after delivery may last up to one year and above.
While the etiology of low back pain during pregnancy remains
theoretical, three mechanisms regularly are described:
biomechanical, musculoskeletal, hormonal and vascular.
Available Online at http://www.recentscientific.com
International Journal of
Recent Scientific
Research
International Journal of Recent Scientific Research
Vol. 7, Issue, 11, pp. 14342-14348, November, 2016
Copyright © Joshi S and Parikh S., 2016, this is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is
properly cited.
Article History:
Received 17th August, 2016
Received in revised form 21st September,
2016
Accepted 05th October, 2016
Published online 28th November, 2016
Key Words:
Low back pain, Post partum women,
Quality of life, Oswestry Disability index,
Prevalence
Joshi S and Parikh S., Prevalence of Low Back Pain And Its Impact on Quality of
Life In Post Partum Women
14343 | P a g e
The classical hypothesis of low back pain postulates that
weight gain experienced during pregnancy results in postural
changes that produce pain. Due to the anterior displacement of
the center of gravity of the trunk and abdomen, women may
unconsciously shift their head and upper body posteriorly over
their pelvis, inducing hyperlordosis of the lumbar spine. This
shift generates stress on intervertebral disks, facet joints and
ligaments, promoting joint inflammation. Inflammation and
distension of the joint capsule create pain and increase
sensitivity to movement.6(Ostgarad C. et al, 1991).
Other postural changes that contribute to pain in the low back
are:
Joint laxity in the anterior and posterior longitudinal
ligaments of the lumbar spine creates more instability
in the lumbar spine and can predispose to muscle
strain.
There is widening and increased mobility of the
sacroiliac joints and pubic symphysis in preparation
for the fetus' passage through the birth canal.
A significant increase in the anterior tilt of the pelvis
occurs, with increased use of hip extensor, abductor,
and ankle plantar flexor muscles.7(Gutke A., 2007)
The overall incidence of back pain 1-2 months post partum was
44%. Greater BMI, younger age, a history of low back pain
during pregnancy, before pregnancy, multiparity and joint hy
permobility have been found to be predisposing factors of low
back pain in women after childbirth.8(Glanzener CMA et al,
2009).
Post partum pain remains under evaluated and under managed
while evidence is growing that post partum treatments strongly
influence patients’ outcome. In the present scenario, the
families are not aware of different delivery methods and their
advantages and disadvantages and there is no system to consult
them on the matter. Regarding this, tendency toward caesarian
to prevent labor pain and to save the genital system is
increasing.
Although regarding the family planning programs in our
country, physical complications of normal vaginal delivery
such as pelvic floor muscles loosening and dissatisfaction of
sexual intercourse would reduce. Not many well-documented
studies have been conducted on this subject in India, especially
in our state. So, this study will help us provide prevention and
early intervention for post-partum back pain.
Aims and Objectives
To study the prevalence of low back pain and its
impact on quality of life after normal vaginal delivery.
To study the prevalence of low back pain and its
impact on the quality of life after cesarean section.
To compare the prevalence of back pain and its impact
on quality of life after normal vaginal delivery and
after cesarean section.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Lena Nilsson- Wikmar et al (2010) found in this descriptive
study that back pain in post-partum period considerably
hampers daily activities and also suggested that it’s important
to pay special attention to them. The women should be
identified early in the post-partum period so that adequate
treatment can be initiated.9(Nilsson -Wikmar L, Pilo C, 2003)
Cheng CY, Li Q et al. in 2008 in their study ‘ Integrative
review of research on general health status and prevalence of
common physical health conditions of women after childbirth’
concluded that postpartum mothers experience certain physical
health problems that may affect their quality of life, future
health, and health of their children. Yet, the physical health of
postpartum mothers is relatively neglected in both research and
practice. In this study women after normal vaginal delivery
showed significant higher physical functioning10.(Cheng CY,
Li Q, 2008)
J.C.Fairbanks et al have originally described Oswestry
Disability Questionniare and tested the relibility and internal
consistency for the questionnaire in assessing low back pain
and suggest that the Oswestry tests pain-related disability in
patients with low back pain. 11(Fairbank JC et al,1980).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
"An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted among
the women visiting Obstetrics and gynecology department of
Shree Krishna Hospital, Karamsad, Gujarat, India. The study
proposal was prepared and submitted to Human Research
Ethical Committee for its approval. This cross sectional study
was conducted between November -2015 and February- 2016.
Inclusion criteria: Women between age group of 20-35 years ;
All post-partum women upto 6 months after
delivery. Exclusion Criteria (self-reported/observational):
Back pain before pregnancy, Systemic diseases/ known other
gynecological diseases, Known spinal/congenital deformities,
Psychiatric diseases, Any previous lumbar or abdominal
surgery except cesarean section. All the subjects who had
undergone normal vaginal delivery and cesarean section in the
last 6 months; and who visited the Shree Krishna Hospital were
screened for the inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the
subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, written informed
consent was taken and the purpose of study was explained to
the patient beforehand. Back pain was assessed using Proforma
which included demograghic data, gynecological history,
Numerical rating scale, BMI, occupation.
The primary outcome measures were Oswestry Disability
Index and Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Patients were
interviewed personally intheir first language and questionnaires
were explained to them. Oswestry disability Index version 2.1
a, which has previously been used to estimate the level of
disability caused by back pain. 12 (Vincent JI,Macdermid JC:
2014). Each section, scores from 0 to 5 points, contains 6
statements that describe an increasing pain severity associated
with a particular activity. Finally, the scores are summated,
multiplied by 2 to provide a percentage of disability.
The score ranges from 0-5- and the lowest score represents
better health status.
The disability score is divided into 5 grades:
0-20%- Minimal disability
20-40%-Moderate disability
40-60%-Severe disability
International Journal of Recent Scientific Research Vol. 7, Issue, 11, pp. 14342-14348, November, 2016
14344 | P a g e
60-80%- Crippled back pain
80-100%- Bed bound(or exaggerating symptoms)
Short Form-36(SF-36) -a scale for HRQL (health related
quality of life) was also included to assess the quality of
life13 (Kainu JP, Sarvela J, 2010). The SF-36 Health Survey
includes one multi-item scale measuring each of the following
eight health concepts:
1. Physical functioning;
2. Role limitations because of physical health problems;
3. Bodily pain;
4. Social functioning;
5. General mental health (psychological distress and
psychological wellbeing);
6. Role limitations because of emotional problems;
7. Vitality (energy/fatigue); and
8. General health perceptions.14 (E.G.Subcoz,2007)
Higher the value of SF-36, better is the quality of life and lower
value suggests impaired quality of life. The participants who
did not complain of back pain were also asked to fill the
Oswestry Diability Index Questionnaire and SF-36 scale and
scores were interpreted and analysis was done.
After the complete assessment, the subjects were educated
about back ergonomics and if needed, they were referred for
further physiotherapy interventions ."
Study Design
Cross sectional study
Sampling Method
Convenient sampling method
Place of Study
Obstetrics and gynecology department of Shree Krishna
Hospital, Karamsad.
Ethical Approval:Human Resource Ethical Committee, Sardar
Patel University
Subject Recruitment Procedure
All the women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and who had
signed a written informed consent form were recruited in the
study.
All women in their post-partum period were taken from the
Obstetrics and Gynaecology department of Shree Krishna
Hospital, Karamsad.
Inclusion Criteria
Women between age group of 20-35 years
All post-partum women upto 6 months after delivery
Exclusion Criteria (self-reported/observational)
Back pain before pregnancy
Systemic diseases/ known other gynecological diseases
Known spinal/congenital deformities
Psychiatric diseases
Any previous lumbar or abdominal surgery except cesarean
section
METHODOLOGY
The study proposal was prepared and submitted to Human
Research Ethical Committee for its approval. This cross
sectional study was conducted between November -2015 to
February- 2016. All the subjects who had undergone normal
vaginal delivery and cesarean section in the last 6 months; and
who visited the Shree Krishna Hospital were screened for the
inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the subjects who met the
inclusion criteria, written informed consent (Annexure 1,2) was
taken and the purpose of study explained to the patient.
Back pain was assessed using Proforma (Annexure 3) which
includeddemograghic data, gynecological history, Numerical
rating scale, BMI, occupation. Patients were interviewed
personally and questionnaires were explained to them. The
proforma includes questions about demographic data, and
number of previous pregnancies.
Following were the outcome measures
Oswestry disability Index version 2.1 a, which has previously
been used to estimate the level of disability caused by back
pain.12 (Annexure 5) (Vincent JI, Macdermid JC: 2014). It
includes 10 sections relating to questions about activities of
daily living and pain. Each section, scores from 0 to 5 points,
contains 6 statements that describe an increasing pain severity
associated with a particular activity. Finally, the scores are
summated, multiplied by 2 to provide a percentage of
disability.
The score ranges from 0-5- and the lowest score represents
better health status.
The disability score is divided into 5 grades:
0-20%- Minimal disability
20-40%-Moderate disability
40-60%-Severe disability
60-80%- Crippled back pain
80-100%- Bed bound(or exaggerating symptoms)
Short Form-36(SF-36) -a scale for HRQL (health related
quality of life) was also included. (Annexure 4) to assess the
quality of life13 (Kainu JP, Sarvela J, 2010). The SF-36 Health
Survey includes one multi-item scale measuring eachof the
following eight health concepts:
1. Physical functioning;
2. Role limitations because of physical health problems;
3. Bodily pain;
4. Social functioning;
5. General mental health (psychological distress and
psychological wellbeing);
6. Role limitations because of emotional problems;
7. Vitality (energy/fatigue); and
8. General health perceptions.14 (E.G.Suboz,2007)
Higher the value of SF-36, better is the quality of life and lower
value suggests impaired quality of life. The participants who
did not complain of back pain were also asked to fill the
Oswestry Diability Index Questionnaire and SF-36 scale and
scores were interpreted and analysis was done.
Joshi S and Parikh S., Prevalence of Low Back Pain And Its Impact on Quality of
Life In Post Partum Women
14345 | P a g e
After the complete assessment, the subjects were educated
about back ergonomics and if needed, they were referred for
further physiotherapy interventions.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
A frequency table was prepared and prevalence was
calculated.
Descriptive statistics like mean, SD were calculated for
pain, quality of life and disability scores.
Chi- square test was performed to demonstrate the
correlation between mode of delivery and low back pain.
UnpairedT-test was used to determine whether the
difference in Quality of life in both groups was
statistically significant or not.
Unpaired T-test was also used to determine if the
changes in disability score in both groups was
statistically significant.
Correlation coefficient was calculated for the
relationship between pain and quality of life.
Correlation coefficient was also calculated to determine
the relationship between pain and disability score.
The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS
Version 16. All tests were performed at 95% level of
significance.
RESULTS
In the present study 60 participants were recruited as per
inclusion criteria, out of which 30 participants had undergone
cesarean section and 30 had undergone normal vaginal
delivery. Out of the 30 participants who had undergone
cesarean section, 17(56.67%) participants were having low
back pain and 13(43.33%) participants were not having low
back pain. Out of 30 participants who had undergone normal
vaginal delivery, 10 (33.33%) participants were having low
back pain and 20 (66.67%) participants were not having low
back pain.
The prevalence of postpartum back pain in cesarean
section=17/30*100=56.67%
The prevalence of postpartum back pain in normal vaginal
delivery=10/30*100=33.33%
The average NRS of women with cesarean section is 4.82
with SD of 1.5.
The average NRS of women with normal vaginal delivery is
4.1 with SD of 0.99.
The mean quality of life of women with cesarean delivery
without back pain is 50.95 with an SD of 3.15.
The mean quality of life of women with cesarean delivery
with back pain is 37.25 with SD of 4.67.
The mean quality of life of women with normal vaginal
delivery without back pain is 51.18 with SD of 2.69.
The mean quality of life of women with normal vaginal
delivery with back pain is 43.10 with SD of 4.6.
The mean disability score of women with cesarean delivery
without back pain is 20% with SD of 0.03.
The mean disability score of women with cesarean delivery
with back pain is 51% with an SD of 0.09.
The mean disability score of women with normal vaginal
delivery without back pain is 21% with SD of 4.
The mean disability score of women with normal vaginal
delivery with back pain is 38% with SD of 0.063.
Prevalence of Back Pain
The prevalence of post partum back pain is significantly higher
in women who have undergone cesarean section than women
with normal vaginal delivery. ( P value<0.05)
Association between Mode of Delivery and Back Pain
The Chi square value is 4.96 at 5% level of significance, thus
there is an association between low back pain and mode of
delivery.
Association between Back Pain and Parity
The Chi square value is 2.3 at 5% level of significance, thus
there is no association between low back pain and parity.
SF-36 Scale (Quality of Life)
AGE
LSCS
LSCS
NVD
NVD
Primigravida
Multigravida
Groups
With
Without
With
Without
Back
Back
Back
Back
Pain
Pain
Pain
Pain
15-20
6.66%
6.66%
0%
6.66%
10%
0%
21-25
3.33%
10%
13.33%
23.33%
11.66%
13.33%
26-30
30%
26.66%
16.66%
26.66%
11.66%
38.33%
31-35
16.66%
0%
3.33%
10%
0%
15%
CHI Square
Table
NVD
LSCS
TOTAL
With back pain
10
17
27
Without back pain
20
13
33
Total
30
30
60
CHI Square Table
Primigravida
Multigravida
Total
With Back Pain
21
7
28
Without Back Pain
18
14
32
TOTAL
39
21
60
Joshi S and Parikh S., Prevalence of Low Back Pain And Its Impact on Quality of
Life In Post Partum Women
14345 | P a g e
After the complete assessment, the subjects were educated
about back ergonomics and if needed, they were referred for
further physiotherapy interventions.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
A frequency table was prepared and prevalence was
calculated.
Descriptive statistics like mean, SD were calculated for
pain, quality of life and disability scores.
Chi- square test was performed to demonstrate the
correlation between mode of delivery and low back pain.
UnpairedT-test was used to determine whether the
difference in Quality of life in both groups was
statistically significant or not.
Unpaired T-test was also used to determine if the
changes in disability score in both groups was
statistically significant.
Correlation coefficient was calculated for the
relationship between pain and quality of life.
Correlation coefficient was also calculated to determine
the relationship between pain and disability score.
The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS
Version 16. All tests were performed at 95% level of
significance.
RESULTS
In the present study 60 participants were recruited as per
inclusion criteria, out of which 30 participants had undergone
cesarean section and 30 had undergone normal vaginal
delivery. Out of the 30 participants who had undergone
cesarean section, 17(56.67%) participants were having low
back pain and 13(43.33%) participants were not having low
back pain. Out of 30 participants who had undergone normal
vaginal delivery, 10 (33.33%) participants were having low
back pain and 20 (66.67%) participants were not having low
back pain.
The prevalence of postpartum back pain in cesarean
section=17/30*100=56.67%
The prevalence of postpartum back pain in normal vaginal
delivery=10/30*100=33.33%
The average NRS of women with cesarean section is 4.82
with SD of 1.5.
The average NRS of women with normal vaginal delivery is
4.1 with SD of 0.99.
The mean quality of life of women with cesarean delivery
without back pain is 50.95 with an SD of 3.15.
The mean quality of life of women with cesarean delivery
with back pain is 37.25 with SD of 4.67.
The mean quality of life of women with normal vaginal
delivery without back pain is 51.18 with SD of 2.69.
The mean quality of life of women with normal vaginal
delivery with back pain is 43.10 with SD of 4.6.
The mean disability score of women with cesarean delivery
without back pain is 20% with SD of 0.03.
The mean disability score of women with cesarean delivery
with back pain is 51% with an SD of 0.09.
The mean disability score of women with normal vaginal
delivery without back pain is 21% with SD of 4.
The mean disability score of women with normal vaginal
delivery with back pain is 38% with SD of 0.063.
Prevalence of Back Pain
The prevalence of post partum back pain is significantly higher
in women who have undergone cesarean section than women
with normal vaginal delivery. ( P value<0.05)
Association between Mode of Delivery and Back Pain
The Chi square value is 4.96 at 5% level of significance, thus
there is an association between low back pain and mode of
delivery.
Association between Back Pain and Parity
The Chi square value is 2.3 at 5% level of significance, thus
there is no association between low back pain and parity.
SF-36 Scale (Quality of Life)
AGE
LSCS
LSCS
NVD
NVD
Primigravida
Multigravida
Groups
With
Without
With
Without
Back
Back
Back
Back
Pain
Pain
Pain
Pain
15-20
6.66%
6.66%
0%
6.66%
10%
0%
21-25
3.33%
10%
13.33%
23.33%
11.66%
13.33%
26-30
30%
26.66%
16.66%
26.66%
11.66%
38.33%
31-35
16.66%
0%
3.33%
10%
0%
15%
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
LSCS
56.67
CHI Square
Table
NVD
LSCS
TOTAL
With back pain
10
17
27
Without back pain
20
13
33
Total
30
30
60
CHI Square Table
Primigravida
Multigravida
Total
With Back Pain
21
7
28
Without Back Pain
18
14
32
TOTAL
39
21
60
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
43.1
LSCS
37.25
Joshi S and Parikh S., Prevalence of Low Back Pain And Its Impact on Quality of
Life In Post Partum Women
14345 | P a g e
After the complete assessment, the subjects were educated
about back ergonomics and if needed, they were referred for
further physiotherapy interventions.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
A frequency table was prepared and prevalence was
calculated.
Descriptive statistics like mean, SD were calculated for
pain, quality of life and disability scores.
Chi- square test was performed to demonstrate the
correlation between mode of delivery and low back pain.
UnpairedT-test was used to determine whether the
difference in Quality of life in both groups was
statistically significant or not.
Unpaired T-test was also used to determine if the
changes in disability score in both groups was
statistically significant.
Correlation coefficient was calculated for the
relationship between pain and quality of life.
Correlation coefficient was also calculated to determine
the relationship between pain and disability score.
The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS
Version 16. All tests were performed at 95% level of
significance.
RESULTS
In the present study 60 participants were recruited as per
inclusion criteria, out of which 30 participants had undergone
cesarean section and 30 had undergone normal vaginal
delivery. Out of the 30 participants who had undergone
cesarean section, 17(56.67%) participants were having low
back pain and 13(43.33%) participants were not having low
back pain. Out of 30 participants who had undergone normal
vaginal delivery, 10 (33.33%) participants were having low
back pain and 20 (66.67%) participants were not having low
back pain.
The prevalence of postpartum back pain in cesarean
section=17/30*100=56.67%
The prevalence of postpartum back pain in normal vaginal
delivery=10/30*100=33.33%
The average NRS of women with cesarean section is 4.82
with SD of 1.5.
The average NRS of women with normal vaginal delivery is
4.1 with SD of 0.99.
The mean quality of life of women with cesarean delivery
without back pain is 50.95 with an SD of 3.15.
The mean quality of life of women with cesarean delivery
with back pain is 37.25 with SD of 4.67.
The mean quality of life of women with normal vaginal
delivery without back pain is 51.18 with SD of 2.69.
The mean quality of life of women with normal vaginal
delivery with back pain is 43.10 with SD of 4.6.
The mean disability score of women with cesarean delivery
without back pain is 20% with SD of 0.03.
The mean disability score of women with cesarean delivery
with back pain is 51% with an SD of 0.09.
The mean disability score of women with normal vaginal
delivery without back pain is 21% with SD of 4.
The mean disability score of women with normal vaginal
delivery with back pain is 38% with SD of 0.063.
Prevalence of Back Pain
The prevalence of post partum back pain is significantly higher
in women who have undergone cesarean section than women
with normal vaginal delivery. ( P value<0.05)
Association between Mode of Delivery and Back Pain
The Chi square value is 4.96 at 5% level of significance, thus
there is an association between low back pain and mode of
delivery.
Association between Back Pain and Parity
The Chi square value is 2.3 at 5% level of significance, thus
there is no association between low back pain and parity.
SF-36 Scale (Quality of Life)
AGE
LSCS
LSCS
NVD
NVD
Primigravida
Multigravida
Groups
With
Without
With
Without
Back
Back
Back
Back
Pain
Pain
Pain
Pain
15-20
6.66%
6.66%
0%
6.66%
10%
0%
21-25
3.33%
10%
13.33%
23.33%
11.66%
13.33%
26-30
30%
26.66%
16.66%
26.66%
11.66%
38.33%
31-35
16.66%
0%
3.33%
10%
0%
15%
NVD
33.33
CHI Square
Table
NVD
LSCS
TOTAL
With back pain
10
17
27
Without back pain
20
13
33
Total
30
30
60
CHI Square Table
Primigravida
Multigravida
Total
With Back Pain
21
7
28
Without Back Pain
18
14
32
TOTAL
39
21
60
43.1
NVD
43.1
International Journal of Recent Scientific Research Vol. 7, Issue, 11, pp. 14342-14348, November, 2016
14346 | P a g e
The quality of life with back pain is higher in women with
normal vaginal delivery than in women who have undergone
cesarean delivery. (P value<0.05).
Oswestry Disability Rating
The mean disability level due to back pain is higher in women
with cesarean section than women with normal vaginal
delivery. (P value<0.05).
Correlation Between Pain and Quality of Life
The higher the NRS (pain), the lower is the quality of life. Thus
level of pain is significantly higher and quality of life
significantly lower in women with cesarean section(correlation
coefficient(-0.925).
Correlation between Pain and Oswestry Disability Score
The higher the pain intensity, i.e. NRS; the higher is the
disability level. Thus the pain intensity and consequently the
disability level is significantly higher in women with cesarean
section.(correlation coefficient 0.919).
Disability Score in Women with and Without Back Pain
The mean disability level is higher in women with back pain as
compared to those without back pain, irrespective of cesarean
section or normal vaginal delivery. However, women with
LSCS show a higher diability level, compared to those with
normal vaginal delivery.
Quality of Life in Women With and Without Back Pain
The quality of life is higher in women without back pain as
compared to those with back pain, irrespective of cesarean
section or normal vaginal delivery. However, women
undergoing LSCS show a lesser quality of life compared to
those with normal vaginal delivery.
DISCUSSION
Our study aims at estimating the difference in the prevalence of
postpartum back pain and the resultant disability and affection
in quality of life. In industrialised countries medical attention is
usually high during and after pregnancy, but still some
problems like low back pain are ignored and left untreated. All
these problems cause considerable disability in their daily
life.15 (Jennifer Sabino, Jonathan N.2008). A knowledge
regarding the incidence of back pain can promote prior
education during pregnancy to minimize severity of pain. Also,
timely intervention can reduce the affection on quality of life.
In previous studies the prevalence of postpartum back pain in
normal vaginal delivery was found to be 27%16 (N. Dooley, T.
Tan: 2013) and in this study the prevalence of disability due to
back pain in postpartum women was found to be 33.33%.Also
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
51
38
LSCS
NVD
4.82
37.25
4.1
43.1
SF-36
NRS
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
NRS
DISABILITY SCORE
4.82
4.1
51
38
International Journal of Recent Scientific Research Vol. 7, Issue, 11, pp. 14342-14348, November, 2016
14346 | P a g e
The quality of life with back pain is higher in women with
normal vaginal delivery than in women who have undergone
cesarean delivery. (P value<0.05).
Oswestry Disability Rating
The mean disability level due to back pain is higher in women
with cesarean section than women with normal vaginal
delivery. (P value<0.05).
Correlation Between Pain and Quality of Life
The higher the NRS (pain), the lower is the quality of life. Thus
level of pain is significantly higher and quality of life
significantly lower in women with cesarean section(correlation
coefficient(-0.925).
Correlation between Pain and Oswestry Disability Score
The higher the pain intensity, i.e. NRS; the higher is the
disability level. Thus the pain intensity and consequently the
disability level is significantly higher in women with cesarean
section.(correlation coefficient 0.919).
Disability Score in Women with and Without Back Pain
The mean disability level is higher in women with back pain as
compared to those without back pain, irrespective of cesarean
section or normal vaginal delivery. However, women with
LSCS show a higher diability level, compared to those with
normal vaginal delivery.
Quality of Life in Women With and Without Back Pain
The quality of life is higher in women without back pain as
compared to those with back pain, irrespective of cesarean
section or normal vaginal delivery. However, women
undergoing LSCS show a lesser quality of life compared to
those with normal vaginal delivery.
DISCUSSION
Our study aims at estimating the difference in the prevalence of
postpartum back pain and the resultant disability and affection
in quality of life. In industrialised countries medical attention is
usually high during and after pregnancy, but still some
problems like low back pain are ignored and left untreated. All
these problems cause considerable disability in their daily
life.15 (Jennifer Sabino, Jonathan N.2008). A knowledge
regarding the incidence of back pain can promote prior
education during pregnancy to minimize severity of pain. Also,
timely intervention can reduce the affection on quality of life.
In previous studies the prevalence of postpartum back pain in
normal vaginal delivery was found to be 27%16 (N. Dooley, T.
Tan: 2013) and in this study the prevalence of disability due to
back pain in postpartum women was found to be 33.33%.Also
43.1
LSCS
NVD
LSCS
NVD
DISABILITY SCORE
38
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
WITHOUT BACK PAIN
21
20
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
WITHOUT BACK PAIN
50.95
51.18
International Journal of Recent Scientific Research Vol. 7, Issue, 11, pp. 14342-14348, November, 2016
14346 | P a g e
The quality of life with back pain is higher in women with
normal vaginal delivery than in women who have undergone
cesarean delivery. (P value<0.05).
Oswestry Disability Rating
The mean disability level due to back pain is higher in women
with cesarean section than women with normal vaginal
delivery. (P value<0.05).
Correlation Between Pain and Quality of Life
The higher the NRS (pain), the lower is the quality of life. Thus
level of pain is significantly higher and quality of life
significantly lower in women with cesarean section(correlation
coefficient(-0.925).
Correlation between Pain and Oswestry Disability Score
The higher the pain intensity, i.e. NRS; the higher is the
disability level. Thus the pain intensity and consequently the
disability level is significantly higher in women with cesarean
section.(correlation coefficient 0.919).
Disability Score in Women with and Without Back Pain
The mean disability level is higher in women with back pain as
compared to those without back pain, irrespective of cesarean
section or normal vaginal delivery. However, women with
LSCS show a higher diability level, compared to those with
normal vaginal delivery.
Quality of Life in Women With and Without Back Pain
The quality of life is higher in women without back pain as
compared to those with back pain, irrespective of cesarean
section or normal vaginal delivery. However, women
undergoing LSCS show a lesser quality of life compared to
those with normal vaginal delivery.
DISCUSSION
Our study aims at estimating the difference in the prevalence of
postpartum back pain and the resultant disability and affection
in quality of life. In industrialised countries medical attention is
usually high during and after pregnancy, but still some
problems like low back pain are ignored and left untreated. All
these problems cause considerable disability in their daily
life.15 (Jennifer Sabino, Jonathan N.2008). A knowledge
regarding the incidence of back pain can promote prior
education during pregnancy to minimize severity of pain. Also,
timely intervention can reduce the affection on quality of life.
In previous studies the prevalence of postpartum back pain in
normal vaginal delivery was found to be 27%16 (N. Dooley, T.
Tan: 2013) and in this study the prevalence of disability due to
back pain in postpartum women was found to be 33.33%.Also
LSCS
NVD
WITHOUT BACK PAIN
WITH BACK PAIN
38
51
LSCS
NVD
WITHOUT BACK PAIN
WITH BACK PAIN
43.1
37.25
Joshi S and Parikh S., Prevalence of Low Back Pain And Its Impact on Quality of
Life In Post Partum Women
14347 | P a g e
the prevalence of postpartum back pain in cesarean section was
found to be 45-54% and in this study it was found to be
56.67%17(ShuttLE, Valentine SJ:1992).
The possible causes of back pain after normal vaginal delivery
are hormonal changes, sudden lifting or twisting from the back,
weakened abdominal musclesand incorrect posture.
But apart from the above mentioned causes, in cesarean
section, there is also local inflammation of skin and the tissues
through which needle was inserted, causing trauma to skin,
muscles, ligaments or nerves of back. This might be lead to
higher prevalence of back pain in LSCS than NVD. 18(Breen
TW, Ransil BJ, 1994)
The results comply with previous study which states that there
is increased incidence of back pain in patients who had
undergone cesarean section, than in patients with normal
vaginal delivery.19 (De BritoCançado TO, Omais M, 2012)
In the study conducted by Kehlet H, Pavlin D J, et al. in 2011,
it was concluded that persistent pain is more common after
cesarean section that vaginal birth.20(Kehlet H, Pavlin D
J,2011).
There was no significant difference seen in low back pain
between primigravida and multigravida, which is in agreement
with literature that previous pregnancy is not the risk factor for
low back pain after pregnancy.
In many studies NRS has been used for understanding pain
intensity. In this study, the average NRS was 4.82 in women
with cesarean section, while 4.1 in women with normal vaginal
delivery. This complies with previous findings that the average
NRS is about 5 in postpartum women.21(Nilsson-Wikmar L,
Pilo C, 2003)
Oswestry Index questionnaire was used to understand the
limitation of activity and to find the disability scores. The
maximum disability score in postpartum women with cesarean
section was 51% i.e. severe disability; while the maximum
disability score in postpartum women with normal vaginal
delivery was found to be 38%,i.e. moderate disability. Thus we
infer that the disability level is lower in postpartum women
with normal vaginal delivery than the women with cesarean
section.
In this study the quality of life was found to be higher in
women with normal vaginal delivery than cesarean section.
This is in accordance with the study which states that overall
mothers in normal delivery group reported a better health
related quality of life and slightly scored higher (better) on the
SF-36 questionnare.22(Seyed Abbas Mousavi, Forough
Mortazavi,2013)
A significant effect of pain intensity on disability was found.
Pain intensity can affect disability, but the episodic nature of
low back pain also affects the ability to function in both work
and personal life. Intermittent increases in pain can markedly
alter disability.23 (McGorry RW, Webster BS: 2000)
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of low back pain in postpartum women with
cesarean section is 56.67%. The prevalence of low back pain in
postpartum women with normal vaginal delivery is 33.33%.
The quality of life is higher in postpartum women with normal
vaginal delivery than the women with cesarean section. The
disability level is lower in postpartum women with normal
vaginal delivery than the women with cesarean section.
Limitations and Recommendations
Limitations
The questionnaire used to assess disability was not
specifically designed for Indian population.
Only one aspect of musculoskeletal problems of
pregnancy is compared, i.e. low back pain.
The BMI of the postpartum women was not taken into
account.
Recommendations
Interventional study can be carried out for
management of low back pain during postpartum
period.
Disability caused due to other musculoskeletal
problems like diastasis recti, pelvic girdle pain etc.
and also the severity of these problems can be known.
Prevalence of depression or other psychosocial
changes and its influence on back pain and quality of
life can be assessed.
Acknowledgement
We are thankful to Human Research and Ethics
Committee (HREC) for their kind favour of granting
permission for the study.
Also we are thankful to all the staff members of
KMPIP and our colleagues for their support. We are
thankful to all our subjects who participated in our
study, without whom this study would have not been
possible.
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How to cite this article:
Joshi S and Parikh S., Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Its Impact on Quality of Life in Post Partum Women. Int J Recent Sci
Res. 7(11), pp. 14342-14348.