[Descriptive epidemiology of low-back pain in Algiers].

A survey by polling of households was undertaken in Algiers with the aim of measuring the incidence of ordinary low back pain and to assess its consequences from the standpoint of the handicap caused. 1,301 households were polled, i.e. 6,956 individuals aged 15 and over in whom the existence of low back pain was sought by questioning. The overall incidence rate of low back pain was 90.9 per thousand. The incidence of low back pain increased markedly with age, exceeding 250 per thousand in women aged 50 to 59. There was no significant difference in incidence between different socio-occupational groups. Almost 45% of cases of low back pain had been present for more than 5 years. More than 90% of low back pain sufferers were totally independent. The proportion of severe handicaps, partially possibly due to the advanced age of the individuals concerned, was relatively low.