Abstract
BackgroundBack pain is a frequent health problem in the general population. The epidemiology of back pain in the general population is well researched, but detailed data on the prevalence and risk factors of back pain in athletes are rare.ObjectiveThe primary objective was to review articles about back pain in athletes to provide an overview of its prevalence in different sports and compare its prevalence among various types of sports and the general population.Data SourcesA comprehensive search of articles published through May 2015 was conducted. Two independent reviewers searched six databases from inception (PubMed®, Embase, MEDLINE®, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO and PSYNDEX), using specifically developed search strategies, for relevant epidemiological research on back pain in 14- to 40-year-old athletes of Olympic disciplines. The reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality of reviewed articles meeting the inclusion criteria to identify potential sources of bias. Relevant data were extracted from each study.ResultsForty-three articles were judged to meet the inclusion criteria and were included in the assessment of methodological quality. Of these, 25 were assessed to be of high quality. Lifetime prevalence and point prevalence were the most commonly researched episodes and the lower back was the most common localization of pain. In the high-quality studies, lifetime prevalence of low back pain in athletes was 1–94%, (highest prevalence in rowing and cross-country skiing), and point prevalence of low back pain was 18–65% (lowest prevalence in basketball and highest prevalence in rowing).ConclusionThe methodological heterogeneity of the included studies showed a wide range of prevalence rates and did not enable a detailed comparison of data among different sports, within one discipline, or versus the general population. Based on the results of this review, however, it seems obvious that back pain requires further study in some sports.
Highlights
Back pain, especially low back pain is a frequent health problem in the general population
The methodological heterogeneity of the included studies showed a wide range of prevalence rates and did not enable a detailed comparison of data among different sports, within one discipline, or versus the general population
Based on the results of this review, it seems obvious that back pain requires further study in some sports
Summary
Especially low back pain is a frequent health problem in the general population. It can cause disability, reduce the quality of life, and impair ability to work, which constitutes a great socioeconomic burden on patients and society [1]. Reduce the quality of life, and impair ability to work, which constitutes a great socioeconomic burden on patients and society [1] It is the leading cause of limitation of activity and absence from work throughout most parts of the world [2,3,4,5,6], and results in enormous costs for the healthcare system. The epidemiology of back pain and low back pain is well researched, but due to the methodological heterogeneity among studies, a wide range of prevalence has been reported for different groups over time. The epidemiology of back pain in the general population is well researched, but detailed data on the prevalence and risk factors of back pain in athletes are rare
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