Musculoskeletal Pain in Hail Community: Medical and Epidemiology Study; Saudi Arabia

Background Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) particularly back and neck pain are common in Western industrialized countries. Aim of the Study the aim of the current study was to investigate the pattern, prevalence, risk factors, and knowledge of MSP among Hail community. Methods The study included two sections, Medical section, and Survey section. The medical one included 100 patients selected from rheumatology outpatient clinic in King Khalid Hospital in Hail region, complaining of MSP. The survey section was conducted on 1000 participants. It was a cross-sectional study conducted through distribution of questionnaires. Results The medical section of the study revealed that most of the patients had chronic pain with a percentage of (42 %). Low back pain and neck pain were the common sites affected (52 % & 41 %) respectively. Many underlying diseases were associated with MSP. The most common disease was vitamin D deficiency. The results of the survey demonstrated positive relation between MSP and sociodemographic data. Awareness of the participants was not satisfactory. The most common risk factor (wrong practice) incriminated in MSP in the current study was using computers or mobiles for long durations (96.47 %). In addition, 60.57 % of cases were obese most of their lifetime. Conclusion Overall, our study found very high prevalence of MSP among hail population. It was less common than that reported from industrialized countries. The reported associated factors and socio-medical consequences were similar to some parts of the world. Recommendations the current study found very high prevalence of MSP among hail population that affecting the participants work, by missing out working days. So an appropriate exercise program has to be adopted so as to alleviate pain and suffering among groups like in schools, hospitals and other work areas.