The experience of back pain in young Australians

Abstract

The usual activity level and history of low back pain was determined by questionnaire in 614 young Australians (9-27 years); dancers (25%), gymnasts (5%) and a control group who did not participate in dance or gymnastics for ≥6 hours/week during the previous three months (70%). These groups demonstrated significantly different activity levels (dancers >gymnasts >controls). Of all respondents, 34% experienced pain of more than two days duration in the previous year, and 50% in all previous years. The incidence and magnitude of pain in the previous year was significantly greater in the dancers and gymnasts (P<0.05) compared to the controls. The incidence of pain was not linked to the average t..