Pa ge 1 Pa ge 37 American Journal of Life Science and Innovation (AJLSI) Frequency of Non-Specific Cervical Pain Experienced by the Adult Population in Peshawar A Review Article Muheebur Rehman1*, Babar Ali2, Shahzad Waqar Sethi3, Abdul Malik1, Muhammad Ismail Khan4, Faheem Ullah5, Mohammad Shoaib Khan1 Volume 2 Issue 2, Year 2023 ISSN: 2833-1397 (Online) DOI: https://doi.org/10.54536/ajlsi.v2i2.1950 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi Article Information ABSTRACT Received: August 01, 2023 Accepted: August 31, 2023 Published: September 11, 2023 Non-specific cervical pain is a prevalent health concern affecting individuals across various age groups and populations. This study aims to investigate the frequency of non-specific cervical pain experienced by the adult population in Peshawar. A cross-sectional survey was conducted, gathering data from a diverse sample of adults residing in Peshawar. The results revealed valuable insights into the prevalence and characteristics of non-specific cervical pain in this region. The findings emphasize the need for public health interventions and awareness campaigns to address this issue effectively. Keywords Non-Specific Cervical Pain, Cervical Pain Prevalence, Adult Population, Ergonomics Physical Activity, Posture INTRODUCTION Non-specific cervical pain, characterized by discomfort or pain in the neck area without a specific underlying cause, is a common musculoskeletal problem affecting a substantial portion of the adult population globally. Its impact on daily life activities, work productivity, and overall well-being cannot be overlooked. While research on cervical pain has been conducted in various parts of the world, there is a gap in knowledge regarding its frequency and prevalence in Peshawar, Pakistan. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the frequency of non-specific cervical pain in the adult population of Peshawar. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional survey was conducted over a period of six months. A well-structured questionnaire was developed, consisting of demographic information, lifestyle factors, and questions related to the presence of non-specific cervical pain. The survey was administered to a random sample of adults aged 18 and above residing in different areas of Peshawar. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews and analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. RESULTS The study out of the 1000 participants surveyed, 42.5% reported experiencing non-specific cervical pain at some point in their lives. Among those who reported cervical pain, 65% were females and 35% were males. The most commonly affected age group was 30-50 years. The majority of participants described the pain as intermittent and mild to moderate in intensity. Factors such as poor posture, prolonged sitting, and lack of physical activity were identified as potential contributors to cervical pain. DISCUSSION The findings of this study indicate a significant prevalence of non-specific cervical pain in the adult population of Peshawar. The higher prevalence among females and individuals with sedentary lifestyles is consistent with existing literature. The study highlights the need for public health campaigns aimed at promoting awareness about cervical pain prevention strategies, including maintaining proper posture and engaging in regular physical activity. Access to ergonomic workstations and neck exercises could also be beneficial in reducing the frequency and impact of cervical pain. CONCLUSION Non-specific cervical pain is a noteworthy health issue affecting a substantial proportion of the adult population in Peshawar. This study provides valuable insights into its prevalence, characteristics, and associated factors. The findings underscore the importance of adopting preventive measures and promoting healthy lifestyle habits to mitigate the impact of cervical pain on the well- being of individuals in the region. 1 Abasyn University Peshawar, Pakistan 2 Khyber Teaching Hospital, Pakistan 3 Rehman College of Rehabilitation Sciences, Pakistan 4 Cecos University Peshawar, Pakistan 5 Riphah International Universit Islamabad, Pakistan * Corresponding author’s e-mail: muheebrehman18@gmail.com Pa ge 38 https://journals.e-palli.com/home/index.php/ajlsi Am. J. Life Sci. Innov. 2(2) 37-38, 2023 REFERENCES Allander, E. (1974). Prevalence, incidence, and remission rates of some common rheumatic diseases or syndromes. Scandinavian journal of rheumatology, 3(3), 145- 153. https://doi.org/10.3109/03009747409097141 Balague, F., Troussier, B., & Salminen, J. J. (1999). Non- specific low back pain in children and adolescents: risk factors. European spine journal, 8, 429-438. https:// doi.org/10.1007/s005860050201 Bouhassira, D., Attal, N., Fermanian, J., Alchaar, H., Gautron, M., Masquelier, E., ... & Boureau, F. (2004). Development and validation of the neuropathic pain symptom inventory. Pain, 108(3), 248-257. https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.pain.2003.12.024 Chard, M., Hazleman, R., Hazleman, B. L., King, R. H., & Reiss, B. B. (1991). Shoulder disorders in the elderly: a community survey. Arthritis & Rheumatism: Official Journal of the American College of Rheumatology, 34(6), 766-769. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.1780340619 Driscoll, T., Jacklyn, G., Orchard, J., Passmore, E., Vos, T., Freedman, G., ... & Punnett, L. (2014). The global burden of occupationally related low back pain: estimates from the Global Burden of Disease 2010 study. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 73(6), 975-981. https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-204631. Picavet, H. S. J., & Schouten, J. S. A. G. (2003). Musculoskeletal pain in the Netherlands: prevalences, consequences and risk groups, the DMC3-study. Pain, 102(1-2), 167-178. https://doi.org10.1016/s0304- 3959(02)00372-x Pope, D. P., Croft, P. R., Pritchard, C. M., & Silman, A. J. (1997). Prevalence of shoulder pain in the community: the influence of case definition. Annals of the rheumatic diseases, 56(5), 308-312. https://doi.org/10.1136/ ard.56.5.308 Rareshide, E. H., & Amedee, R. G. (1990). Referred otalgia. The Journal of the Louisiana State Medical Society: official organ of the Louisiana State Medical Society, 142(6), 7-10. Thelin, A., Holmberg, S., & Thelin, N. (2008). Functioning in neck and low back pain from a 12year perspective: a prospective population-based study. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 40(7), 555-561. https://doi. org/10.2340/16501977-0205 Webb, R., Brammah, T., Lunt, M., Urwin, M., Allison, T., & Symmons, D. (2004). Opportunities for prevention of ‘clinically significant’knee pain: results from a population‐based cross sectional survey. Journal of Public Health, 26(3), 277-284. https://doi. org/10.1093/pubmed/fdh162