Introduction Back pain (BP) experienced by females during adolescent years appears to predispose them to an increased likelihood of its presence in adulthood. Understanding this phenomenon by identifying risk factors of those at risk potentially fosters preventative strategies and effective treatments. Objectives To investigate for associations between post‐menarche BP and low back pain (LBP) and age at menarche (AAM) in Australian adolescents using the Western Australian pregnancy cohort (The Raine Study). Methods This study used data from a longitudinal cohort study. BP data were collected retrospectively using a questionnaire. Menarche data was split into three established age classifications early (<12‐years), normal (≥12 to >14‐years) and late (≥14‐years). Logistic regression models examined the effect of AAM on BP. Results 666 female participants provided valid menarche data with 183 (27.5%) early AAM, 429 (64.4%) normal AAM and 54 (8.1%) with late AAM. The mean AAM was 12.59 years. BP was disclosed by 27.5% in the 14‐year follow‐up and 31.5% in the 17‐year follow‐up. Participants who had early AAM had 79% higher odds of experiencing BP compared to participants who had normal AAM, after adjusting for confounders at the 14‐year follow‐up (adjOR 1.79, 95% CI 1.18–2.64). Conclusion There is evidence of an association, in this cohort, of early AAM with post‐menarche BP. This result identifies an area for future exploration, including understanding this mechanism which may lead to the development of effective intervention measures. Significance Age at menarche is related to a range of health issues. This study sought to investigate if it was a risk factor for spinal pain. We used an existing Australian data base to explore this possibility and found an association with early age onset and post‐menarche back pain. This result identifies an area for future exploration, including understanding this mechanism which may lead to the development of effective intervention measures.

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Public Archaeology as a concept is generally defined as civic involvement during the various public phases of Cultural Resources Management. The practice of archaeology in South Africa seldom extends towards public participation in archaeological activities or the production of knowledge. Public Archaeology constitute the active participation of the public in the archaeological excavation and the documentation of an archaeological site. The aim of the East Fort Archaeological Project is to provide an opportunity to members of the public interested in archaeology, as well as to assist high school learners and prospective tertiary students considering archaeology as a career, to participate in an active archaeological project regardless of their skills level. Initially the project was only aimed at high school learners, since heritage is included in the History curriculum for high school learners. Later members of the general public and primary school learners were included due to the interest shown in the project. This article provides an overview of the project from 2013 to the present. It looks at the different aspects thereof, consisting of an orientation course, educational excursion and practical archaeological field work. The project can be considered a success as it proves that the public can participate in and assist with the production of archaeological knowledge. It is foreseen that History teachers could be involved in similar projects that can be used to make history come alive for learners. It is also a first step in creating a heritage-literate society.