General Hospital, Epe has joined other medical institutions worldwide to celebrate World Physiotherapy Day 2024, with the theme “Low Back Pain: A Global Epidemic – The Role of Physiotherapy in Prevention and Management”.
In his paper presentation to commemorate the day, the Head of the Physiotherapy Department, Epe General Hospital, Physio Akeem Oseni, explained the essence of physiotherapy and its significance while also highlighting the importance of World Physiotherapy Day.
He said that World Physiotherapy Day, celebrated annually on September 8th, is a day set aside for physiotherapists to raise awareness about the contributions of their profession in promoting health, mobility, and independence.
Oseni explained that Low Back Pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition affecting the lower portion of the spine and is the leading cause of disability globally.
He said, “In 2020, 1 in 13 people experienced low back pains. Common causes include improper lifting, poor posture, disease (such as tumours, infections, or cancers), prolonged sitting, sleeping in an uncomfortable position, wearing ill-fitting backpacks, fractures, ruptured discs, and arthritis (such as spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, and spondylitis).
“Symptoms of LBP can include pain in the lower back, hips, and legs, numbness, tingling sensations (pins and needles) in the buttocks and legs, muscle spasms, sciatica, and a reduced health-related quality of life”, he further added
The Physiotherapist, therefore, urged patients not to hesitate to visit the Physiotherapy Department at the hospital if they experience any of these symptoms.
Dr. Iskil Jolaoso, Deputy Medical Director and Consultant Radiologist, also encouraged patients to make use of the hospital’s physiotherapy services, which cover a range of conditions across multiple specialties, including orthopedics, neurology, and pediatrics.