Low back pain in military basic trainees:A pilot study

Mary studies have been done to elucidate risk factors for low hack pain In the gorieral population. A review of the literature reveals that rio siuditte have described low back pain In the military. A pilot study was performed to eua iifltRthe incidence, prevalence, and risk factors of low bach pein in a gryup of iniEiiiiiy basic trainees. We found an Incidence of 17%. Of numerous demographic and risk factors studied, only cigarette use w&S significantly aseociai-ad with Jouv back pain. A previous history of chronic low back pain was not significantly associated with law back pain during training but was prediclive cf difficulty completing training. The authors conclude; han low bar pmn occurs frequently during Army basic training and that cigarette smoking is associated with unjroasod risk.