Change in Epidemiologic Characteristics of the Patients with Neck and Back Pain

Yoo, Tae Won; Kang, Seong Woong; Moon, Jae Ho

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the associated symptom aggravating factors and epidemiologic characteristics in patients with neck and back pain. METHOD: The demographic characteristics and the total number of patients who visited the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Yong-dong Severance Hospital for the management of neck and back pain were evaluated. A total of 2800 patients sampled from this group of patients and the possible influential factors such as symptom aggravating factors were evaluated. The back school attendants were analyzed for the effectiveness of education on prevention and management of neck and back pain. RESULTS: The most common age group with neck and back pain were 5th decade (21.4%) and 6th decade (24.8%). The proportion of patients in acute stage were increased yearly. Of the aggravating factors, sports injury, driving and weight gain increased annually. In patients with neck pain, aggravation by typing and computer work was remarkable. The patients with desk type of job were increased each year and the patients in teenage group were also increased annually. CONCLUSION: Understanding of the current epidemiologic characteristics and the influential factors will be helpful for providing objective standards for assessment, management and preventioin of neck and back pain.