While most of the existing literatures regarding female athletes' LBP have focused on particular sports with specific low back demands (such as skiing and rowing), many other sports have not been studied very well in this regard. Investigating LBP prevalence and related factors in other types of sports, such as combat sports, badminton and shooting, can help us better understand the prevalence of low back pain and provide us with necessary insight to take effective steps towards its prevention in athletes.

This population-based, cross-sectional study aimed to determine the frequency of neck pain, low back pain (LBP) and also the LBP related functional disability in five sport categories including football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, and other sports in one of the Iranian sport Olympiads. The prevalence of neck pain and LBP in different time points was evaluated with the use of an interview questionnaire. A visual analogue scale was used to evaluate the athlete’s current pain. Furthermore, the functional disability related to LBP was assessed by the Athletes Disability Index Questionnaire (ADI). A total of 452 male athletes aging between 12 and 20 were screened. Three hundred seventy-seven participants responded to the questionnaires in which their mean age (standard deviation) was 15.95 (1.25). Collectively, the life-time prevalence of neck pain and LBP in all the athletes was 38.8% and 42.0%, respectively. The highest risk of neck pain at all-time points was observed among basketball players compared to other sport groups (P<0.05). The risk of LBP in most time points was the least among wrestlers (P<0.05). The ADI score was significantly higher among basketball players (13.89%) compared to volleyball players and wrestlers (P<0.05). Our study revealed a high prevalence of neck pain and LBP among Iranian young male athletes. A higher risk of neck pain and LBP among basketball players predisposes this sport at high risk of developing spine injuries which needs further consideration.

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