“Back pain is part of sport … I'm just gonna have to live with it”: Exploring the lived experience of sport-related low back pain in adolescent athletes

Abstract

ObjectivesTo examine the lived experience of adolescent athletes reporting an episode of sport-related low back pain (LBP), including effects on daily life, relationships with parent/guardians, teammates, and coaches with relation to LBP, experiences of management/treatment, and understanding of LBP. DesignQualitative interviewing using online video conferencing platforms. ParticipantsAthletes aged 10–19 years old who experienced low back pain within the year prior to interviewing. Main outcome measuresInterview transcripts, Modified Oswestry Disability Index, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire. ResultsThree main themes were developed 1) The culture of normalising LBP in sport negates safeguarding efforts aimed at protecting adolescent athletes against injury and pain 2) LBP changes how athletes are perceived and perceive themselves 3) LBP has broad effects on the well-being of adolescent athletes. ConclusionsThe lived experience of LBP for adolescent athletes is impacted by the culture of tolerance of pain and injury in sport. Further steps should be taken to implement safeguarding measures in a way that adequately protects adolescent athletes who experience pain.