2022, Vol. 9, Issue 6, Part E

Background: In chronic low back pain (CLBP), thoraco-lumbar fascia is taut due to transverse abdominis dysfunction, resulting in altered lumbar curvature causing active insufficiency of diaphragm thus reducing its capability of expanding the thorax. This study attempts to understand the relationship of chronic low back pain with chest expansion which is a lesser explored dimension.

Methodology: 30 chronic low back pain patients of age 35-45 were included in the study. Pain value was measured by visual analog scale [VAS] and chest expansion was measured by inch tape at nipple level in sitting position. The collected data were analyzed by Karl Pearson’s coefficient correlation test to find the relationship between chronic low back pain and chest expansion.

Result: There was a moderate negative correlation between chronic low back pain and chest expansion with r value of -0.55.

Conclusion: This study concluded that as chronic low back pain increases the chest expansion decreases moderately.