Frequency of Non-Specific Low Back Pain and Self-Management Protocols Among Clinical and Academician Physical Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Study
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Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a common musculoskeletal condition among physical therapists because of prolonged standing, sustained posture, repetitive work demands, and patient-care responsibilities. Understanding how physical therapists manage their own NSLBP may help identify practical self-care strategies within clinical and academic settings. Objective: To determine the current frequency of NSLBP and identify self-management protocols used by clinical and academic physical therapists in Pakistan. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 369 male and female physical therapists aged 27–45 years with body mass index below 30 kg/m² and a history of NSLBP. Participants were recruited through non-probability convenience sampling from hospitals, clinics, medical universities, and colleges across Pakistan. Data were collected using a 16-item self-administered online questionnaire covering demographics, NSLBP frequency, perceived occupational contributors, and self-management protocols. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.0, and categorical variables were summarized as frequencies and percentages. Results: Current NSLBP was reported by 285 participants (77.23%). Prolonged standing was the most common perceived contributor (62.6%), followed by prolonged working and bad posture (59.6% each), and prolonged sitting (50.94%). Physiotherapy techniques were used by 76.6% of participants, rest by 71.2%, and postural correction by 46.6%, while medication use was low (6.77%). The most frequently reported specific approaches were hot/cold packs (86.1%), myofascial release (76.6%), self-stretching (75.6%), and core strengthening (51.49%). Conclusion: NSLBP was commonly reported among physical therapists with prior symptoms, and self-management was predominantly non-pharmacological, relying mainly on physiotherapy-based techniques, hot/cold packs, myofascial release, self-stretching, and strengthening exercises
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