OBJECTIVETo investigate musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors of low back pain in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

METHODSIn this study, patients in our hospital with confirmed MS with an expanded disabilitystatus scale (EDSS) score between 4 to 7 were selected. Data of MS history, pain, musculoskeletal disorders, muscle strength and spasticity in lower limbs were collected.

RESULTSAmong 190 patients, there were 61 males and 129 females, with an average age of(54.9±9.2) years old. The mean disease duration was(19.3±9.9) years, and the median EDSS score was 6. Forty-two patients were relapsing-remitting type, 45 patients were primary progressive type, and 93 patients were secondary progressive type. The most common musculoskeletal disorders were described as follows:knee osteoarthritis (15 cases), claw toe (13 cases) and genu recurvatum (12 cases). Seventy-nine patients with prevalence low back pain was higher than in patients with a progressive type(secondary:=2.958,=0.007 9, primary(=2.629,=0.039 8) and in patients who had a visual dysfunction at EDSS score(=1.411,=0.012 4). The prevalence was reduced in male patients(=0.306,=0.001 4).

CONCLUSIONSThe progressive type of MS and visual dysfunction increased the risk of low back pain in these patients.