Low back pain in military basic trainees. A pilot study.

Many studies have been done to elucidate risk factors for low back pain in the general population. A review of the literature reveals that no studies have described low back pain in the military. A pilot study was performed to evaluate the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors of low back pain in a group of military basic trainees. We found an incidence of 17%. Of numerous demographic and risk factors studied, only cigarette use was significantly associated with low back pain. A previous history of chronic low back pain was not significantly associated with low back pain during training but was predictive of difficulty completing training. The authors conclude that low back pain occurs frequently during Army basic training and that cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk.