Work

Radioclinical Status of Women with Chronic Low Back Pain in the Peri-Urban Area of Kisangani. The Case of Female Back-Load Carriers (by Liyamba)

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Chronic low back pain associated with degenerative diseases of the lumbar spine significantly impairs individuals’ quality of life. This study aimed to determine the clinical and radiological status of women with chronic low back pain in the peri-urban area of Kisangani who carried heavy loads on their backs, in order to assess the health issues they faced. Material and Methods: This was a case-control study involving women aged 15 to 49, including 76 cases. Data collection was retrospective. Statistical inferences were drawn using Pearson’s chi-square (χ2), Student’s t-test (TS), and Fisher’s exact test (TF). Odds ratios (OR) were calculated for dichotomous variables, with a significance threshold of 5%. Variables showing a bivariate association were included in a multivariate regression model using a stepwise forward selection approach. Results: Medical, gynecological, and surgical issues among the cases included inguinal hernia (91%, p 0.007), pelvic organ prolapse (POP) (94%, p 0.001), a history of ≥3 abortions (76%, p 0.001), and cesarean section (82%, p 0.001), alongside knee pain (82%, p 0.001) and hip pain (82%, p 0.001). Degenerative spinal lesions consisted of Grade II anterolisthesis (67%, p 0.001), simple disc degeneration (78%, p 0.001), multilevel disc degeneration (75%, p 0.001), simple lumbar osteoarthritis (79%, p 0.001), and multilevel lumbar osteoarthritis (75%, p 0.001). These lesions were located between L3 and S1 (66%, p 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that, clinically, the cases presented with medical, gynecological, and surgical issues—including inguinal hernia, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and a history of more than three abortions or a Cesarean section—associated with hip and knee pain. The predominant degenerative spinal lesions were Grade II anterolisthesis, as well as single-level and multilevel discopathy and lumbar spondylosis, located between L3 and S1.

Source: Pain Studies and Treatment

DOI: 10.4236/pst.2026.144007

Authors: Lehumadja Raphaël Talona, Longembe Eugène Basandja, Tepungipame Alliance Tagoto, Kitoko Roger Amisi, W’Ifongo Freddy Wami

Institution: Université de Kisangani

Language: English

Topic: Spine and Intervertebral Disc Pathology

Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7202201207