EFFECTIVENESS OF SUPERFICIAL HEATING THERAPY AMONG FEMALES WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN IN SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

The Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) continuously persist as leading health consideration for women in Pakistan, which constantly shows to the prolonged functional limitations. Regardless of its widespread use, there is limited local information on the methods of effectiveness such as superficial heat therapy. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of superficial heating therapy on pain measure and routine tasks among women in Sindh. In this study a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted and about one hundred and twenty female were included aged 18-65+ years involved from  general outpatient departments  and private clinics of Physiotherapy in Nawabshah and Hyderabad, Sindh. The participants who had continual (CLBP) more than 12 weeks. The data was collected by using the Pain Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS), the Revised Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and to observe the immediate effects heating on  pain a Medicare heating pad (Model no: CHS-1273) was used. The results showed a notable 24.4% decrease in average pain, from value of 5.64 to 4.26 (p<0.0001). About 56.7% of female lies on slight disability. The strong positive correlation like (r = 0.742, p = 0.000) among pain reduction and improved functional tasks, including walking and lifting. The occupational burden affected the results about 65% of housewives reporting elevated disability level than female in other jobs (p = 0.018).  The superficial heating therapy is an inexpensive, approachable and effective way to manage the (CLBP). The results showed that the ergonomics education in physical treatments for women needs to be included. This study provides an important standard for developing multidisciplinary pain management goals within Pakistan’s health care system.