Introduction:

Low back pain is a prevalent pathology influenced by environmental and personal factors: age, gender, educational level, stress, social support and occupational risks, among others.

The aim of this work is to assess the impact of socio-demographic variables of workers with low back pain and its disability impact.

Material and method:

Descriptive study of 351 low-back pain patients. The influence of gender, sex, life habits and limitations with the Oswestry questionnaire is assessed.

Results:

The participants, mainly men and an average age of 41 ± 1 years have an primary education. Youth population (81.4%) and women (82.6%) have the healthiest habits, tobacco consumption increases with age (> 50 years, 55%) and women drink less alcohol (40.1% don't consume) but practice less physical exercise (daily 6.6%). Physiotherapy is more effective for youth people (57.7%), while elderly people combine drugs and physiotherapy (45%).

The impact of low back pain on disability increases with age, especially in women, keeping a positive relationship with the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire index (p <0.005). It limits the ability to stand and makes sleeping difficult, varying the results along age. In women, the limitations for daily activities, walking and social activities stand out (p <0,005).

Conclusions:

Socio-demographic and cultural variables, specially age, gender and lifestyle habits, have an influence on low-back pain. The Oswestry Questionnaire used correlates the limitations for low back pain with the repercussion in work disability.