Publication:

Utilization of traditional massage by patients with low back pain

Background Low back pain (LBP) is among the most popular musculoskeletal disorders in present day society and accounts for most health care usage. Patient adopt several strategies as of treatment in our environment including local massage.

Methods This was a prospective study of all outpatients that presented to the orthopaedic unit with complaints of LBP was undertaken to determine those that have used or were using traditional massage as form of treatment for their LBP. A structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect all required information from the study participants. Demographic data and medical information were analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test by SPSS 25.

Results The 63 (31.3%) acknowledged the use of traditional massage out of 201 patients, which was made up of 38 females and 25 males. Those aged between 41-60 years had the highest number of participants that used traditional massage. Hand massage (HM) was the commonest form with 74.6%. Factors such as age, gender, educational level, occupation, cause of the back pain, and duration, did not influence choice of massage. Only 24% experienced good relief after traditional massage, with 43% reported to have been pre-informed before administration of the massage, 35% reported otherwise and 22% remained unresponsive.

Conclusions This study highlights the high prevalence of the use of traditional massage by back pain sufferers, and shows the need for physicians, health policy makers, and carers for back pain sufferers to be aware of this fact.