This article is adapted from a Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM) research project conducted by Damian Tan Thiam Soon under the Therapeutic Massage and Care programme (NOSS MP-082-4:2012). The study was supervised by Mr. Low Chee Kiat and evaluated by Puan Shalina Binti Abdullah. The project was completed in March 2026.
This research was conducted at Tim Bodycare Massage Academy, Petaling Jaya, which served as the penyelaras by providing a structured clinical environment, professional supervision, and standardized therapeutic protocols in accordance with NOSS requirements. The academy ensured that all procedures were aligned with industry practices and real-world therapeutic applications.
Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting adults and is a major contributor to reduced productivity, physical discomfort, and decreased quality of life. It is frequently associated with musculoskeletal injuries caused by occupational exposure, improper body mechanics, sedentary lifestyle, and inadequate physical conditioning. This study aims to determine the prevalence and severity of lower back pain among adults and to identify the contributing factors related to its development.
Using a cross-sectional design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, data was collected from 30 participants across various occupational backgrounds. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), alongside structured questionnaires assessing lifestyle and occupational factors. The findings reveal that muscle strain and soft tissue injuries are the most common causes of pain, with significant improvements observed through therapeutic intervention and lifestyle adjustments. The study highlights the importance of preventive strategies and supports therapeutic massage as an effective approach in managing musculoskeletal-related lower back pain.
Lower back pain is widely recognized as one of the leading musculoskeletal problems affecting adults worldwide, often resulting in physical limitations, reduced work efficiency, and a decline in overall well-being. As explained in the study (pages 1–2), the condition is commonly associated with injuries involving muscles, ligaments, intervertebral discs, and spinal joints, which may develop due to repetitive movements, prolonged static postures, improper lifting techniques, or excessive physical strain.
In modern working environments, individuals are frequently exposed to ergonomic risks such as prolonged sitting, awkward postures, repetitive manual tasks, and extended working hours. Office workers often experience sustained sitting positions that place stress on the lumbar region, while manual workers are exposed to heavy lifting and repetitive movements that contribute to musculoskeletal strain. Over time, these factors increase the likelihood of developing chronic lower back pain.
Lifestyle habits further influence the development of this condition. A sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, weak core muscles, and poor sleep habits reduce the body’s ability to support spinal structures effectively. This study therefore explores how occupational and lifestyle factors interact to influence lower back pain and examines how proper management strategies can improve musculoskeletal health.
This study adopted a cross-sectional research design combining both quantitative and qualitative methods to evaluate the prevalence and contributing factors of lower back pain. A total of 30 participants aged between 20 and 50 years were selected from various occupational backgrounds, including office workers, manual labourers, and service industry individuals.
Data collection involved the use of structured questionnaires to gather demographic information, occupational exposure, body mechanics practices, and lifestyle habits. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), allowing participants to rate their level of discomfort on a scale from zero to ten. The study followed a structured procedure involving participant recruitment, informed consent, data collection, and statistical analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods were used to analyse relationships between variables such as age, occupation, and pain severity.
The findings indicate that lower back pain is highly prevalent among adults across different occupational groups, with most participants reporting moderate to severe pain at baseline. As shown in the participant data on page 12–15, pain scores ranged between six and nine before intervention, indicating significant discomfort affecting daily activities.
As treatment and observation progressed, a consistent reduction in pain levels was recorded. By the final sessions, many participants reported pain scores between two and four, demonstrating a clear improvement. The progressive decline in VAS scores across sessions highlights the cumulative effect of therapeutic intervention and lifestyle adjustments.
In terms of injury types, muscle strain and muscle spasm were identified as the most common conditions, accounting for approximately 43% of cases, followed by ligament sprain and disc-related issues. This indicates that soft tissue dysfunction is the primary contributor to lower back pain among the study population.
The thematic analysis further revealed strong improvements in physical recovery, pain management, and functional ability over time. Recovery confidence showed the most significant increase, rising dramatically throughout the study period. This suggests that as participants experienced physical improvement, their confidence in movement and daily activity also increased.
Additionally, the study found that individuals aged between 30 and 49 years represented the majority of cases, highlighting the impact of long-term occupational exposure and lifestyle habits on musculoskeletal health. Gender distribution was evenly balanced, indicating that lower back pain affects both males and females similarly when exposed to comparable risk factors.
The results of this study confirm that lower back pain is a multifactorial condition influenced by occupational exposure, body mechanics, and lifestyle factors. Prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, improper lifting techniques, and lack of physical activity were identified as key contributors to musculoskeletal injury.
One of the most important findings is that soft tissue injuries, particularly muscle strain and spasm, are the primary drivers of lower back pain in this population. This explains why therapeutic massage, which directly targets muscle tension and improves circulation, is highly effective in reducing symptoms.
Another key insight is the role of behavioural and lifestyle changes in recovery. As participants improved their posture, movement habits, and physical activity levels, pain levels decreased significantly. The strong increase in recovery confidence also highlights the psychological component of rehabilitation, where education and awareness contribute to better long-term outcomes.
The study also demonstrates that lower back pain is not solely dependent on age or gender but is largely influenced by daily habits and occupational exposure. This reinforces the importance of preventive strategies and early intervention in reducing the long-term burden of musculoskeletal conditions.
This study demonstrates that lower back pain due to musculoskeletal injuries is highly prevalent among adults but is strongly influenced by modifiable factors such as posture, physical activity, and occupational habits. The findings confirm that therapeutic massage, combined with lifestyle adjustments, is an effective approach for reducing pain, improving mobility, and enhancing overall functional well-being.
Lower back pain should not be viewed as an unavoidable condition but rather as one that can be managed and prevented through proper education, ergonomic practices, and consistent care. By adopting a holistic approach that addresses both physical and behavioural factors, individuals can significantly improve their musculoskeletal health and quality of life.
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