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Breastfeeding-related thoracic spine pain and correlates in postpartum Nigerian women: A cross-sectional study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Thoracic spine pain (TSP) is a disturbing condition associated with a decreased quality of life among postpartum women. We conducted a cross-sectional survey assessing the prevalence of TSP and associated factors among 400 conveniently recruited postpartum women from four public hospitals in Enugu, Nigeria. We collected data on thoracic spine pain, posture, and mobility using the Oswestry thoracic disability index, an inclinometer, and the tape rule(cm), respectively. We found a 22.5% prevalence of TSP, with over 65% of cases occurring during and after pregnancy. More than half (64.4%) of the participants recorded flexion hypomobility, while 37.3% had extension hypomobility. We found a significant association between TSP and age (χ2 = 2.493, p = .013), employment status (χ2 = 11.650, p = .003), and jobs needing repetitive spinal movements like neck bending (χ2 = 9.491, p = .023). TSP is fairly common in postpartum women with associated factors of younger age and being in jobs that require repetitive spinal movements.

Source: Health Care For Women International

DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2025.2494205

Authors: Chidiebele P. Ojukwu, Patrick C. Okwa, Ebere Y. Ihegihu, Stephen Sunday Ede, Ogehukwu J. Nebo

Institutions: University of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, University of Lancashire

Language: English

Topic: Pregnancy-related medical research

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: hybrid

OpenAlex ID: W4409683756