Low Back Pain Among Healthcare Workers: Patterns, Correlates, Prevention and Management - A Structured Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is a leading cause of disability and an important occupational-health problem. Healthcare workers may experience repeated manual handling, prolonged standing or sitting, awkward postures, high workload and psychological strain. Objective: To synthesise evidence on the burden, clinical pattern, correlates, prevention and management of low back pain among healthcare workers, with attention to Nigerian practice settings. Methods: A structured narrative review drew on peer-reviewed studies, systematic reviews and clinical guidelines identified through searches of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Evidence was organised around epidemiology, occupational and psychosocial correlates, assessment, management and prevention. Synthesis: Low back pain is common among healthcare workers, although prevalence varies by profession, setting, case definition and recall period. Frequently reported correlates include patient handling, repetitive bending and twisting, prolonged static posture, inadequate staffing, longer occupational exposure, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity and psychological distress. Most presentations are non-specific. Assessment should identify serious spinal pathology and neurological compromise while avoiding routine imaging in uncomplicated cases. Recommended care emphasises education, continued activity, structured exercise and a biopsychosocial approach. Prevention requires organisational action as well as individual behaviour change. Conclusion: Healthcare-worker low back pain should be addressed as a systems and occupational-health problem. Nigerian facilities need locally adapted surveillance, safe patient-handling systems, ergonomic redesign, adequate staffing, early access to evidence-based care and evaluation of intervention effectiveness.