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European Spine Journal

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01-04-2016 | Original Article

Severe back pain in elite athletes: a cross-sectional study on 929 top athletes of Germany

Authors: Saskia Sarah Schulz, Klaus Lenz, Karin Büttner-Janz

Published in: European Spine Journal | Issue 4/2016

Abstract

Purpose

The cross-sectional study evaluates the incidence, localization, treatment, and influencing factors of back pain (BP) in Germany’s elite athletes.

Methods

An online questionnaire was sent out to 3564 top athletes. We used the VAS to identify the intensity of BP and SPSS for statistical analyses.

Results

929 athletes responded. 514 (55.3 %) had BP within the last 12 months, mainly located in the lumbar spine (n = 293, 56.1 %). The average pain intensity was 5.75/10. Back-affecting exercise and additional burdens (e.g. at their place of work) did not increase the intensity of BP. When dividing the athletes into two groups according to the BP intensity, BP did not correlate with gender, age or BMI.

Conclusion

At least every tenth athlete suffers temporarily from low BP at a level at which spine surgery could be the only option to relieve the pain. BP occurs independently of back-affecting training and additional stress. Further evaluation is needed to identify factors for avoiding severe BP in top athletes.

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Title: Severe back pain in elite athletes: a cross-sectional study on 929 top athletes of Germany
Authors: Saskia Sarah Schulz
Klaus Lenz
Karin Büttner-Janz
Publication date: 01-04-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Spine Journal / Issue 4/2016
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-015-4210-9

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Severe back pain in elite athletes: a cross-sectional study on 929 top athletes of Germany

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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