BACK SCHOOL PROGRAM FOR PAIN & DISABILITY IN TEACHERS WITH LBP

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a common health problem in which individuals experience major social, mental, and occupational disruptions. Among school teachers, the prevalence of LBP is much higher as compared to that of other occupational groups. The causes for mechanical LBP in school teachers include long sitting, poor posture, repetitive activities, poor infrastructure at the schools and sedentary lifestyle. Among many physiotherapy interventions, one such intervention is BACK SCHOOL PROGRAM. Back schools are educational and training programs with lessons given to patients or workers by a therapist with the aim of treating or preventing low back pain. Teaching being a highly stressful occupation, teachers with LBP need a program that’s easy to follow, convenient and effective without any tools or equipment. The NPRS and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were chosen as outcome measures to evaluate pain and disability score respectively. The aim of the program was to reduce muscle spasm, strengthen back muscles, and increase back muscle flexibility. The program had a good effect on both pain and disability component in school teachers with chronic mechanical LBP.