Abstract
Back pain is extremely common in soldiers undergoing training1. There is no data worldwide with regards to incidence, prevalence and impact of back pain in a deployed military population. This study was undertaken to evaluate these issues.
1000 back pain questionnaire were distributed over a period of four days at the main military base in Basrah in February 2009 in different locations. The filling out was anonymous and completely voluntary.
UK military personnel
Information was obtained about age, BMI, length of service, rank, incidence, prevalence, onset, admission rate, treatment, aero-medical evacuation, operational effectiveness, pain killers and VAS.
768 (77%, 26% of population at risk) questionnaires were returned Prevalence of back pain was 33.4% (257). A greater prevalence occurred in the combat arms (41.7%, p=0.01) and those of over 12 years service (44%, p=0.004). No statistical difference was found with rank, or BMI. 74 people (9.6%) had developed new onset back pain since deploying. Recurrent pain occurred in 38.9% of the whole sample. VAS showed a normal distribution. 35% of those affected were discharging their duty with mild difficulty but around 6% were having great difficulty. 25% were on regular analgesics. Back pain constituted 23% (137/583) of the physiotherapy dept caseload, 6.6%, (25/378) of ward admissions and 0.04% (5/119) of aero-med patients.
Back pain is a major problem among deployed personnel. However with adequate resources the vast majority can be managed in the field thus reducing attrition rates2 and maintaining operational effectiveness. Further studies should be undertaken to assess if back pain persists after deployment.
