LOW BACK PAIN IN GERIATRIC PATIENTS: CLINICAL FEATURES, CAUSES, AND MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of low back pain and to characterize its clinical features, causes, and treatment options among geriatric patients at a tertiary hospital. Materials and Method: This single-center, cross-sectional study retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients aged ≥65 years who presented to the physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic at a tertiary hospital with low back pain. The clinical characteristics, causes, and treatment methods for low back pain were documented. Results: Data from 103 older patients were analyzed. Low back pain accounted for 19.5% of geriatric visits to tertiary hospitals. Red flags were detected in 36.2% of women and 11.8% of men (p = 0.009). Among all the pain cases, the causes were mechanical in 46.6% (n = 48), radicular in 27.2% (n = 28), specific pathology in 14.6% (n = 15), and persistent spinal pain syndrome type 2 in 11.7% (n = 12). A statistically significant association was found between the causes of acute low back pain and sex (p = 0.003). Specific pathologies were significantly more prevalent in women, whereas radicular pain was more prevalent in men. The most commonly used treatments for low back pain were pharmacological and physical therapies. Conclusion: Low back pain is common in geriatric patients, with mechanical causes being the most prevalent. Older patients should be screened for red flags, and specific pathologies affecting women should be considered. Keywords: Low Back Pain; Aged; Radiculopathy