Quantitative Global Survey Results of Acute Back Pain Sufferers Across Four Countries

Abstract

Background

Surveys of back pain sufferers in the United States, China, Russia, and Germany were performed to better understand self-reported causes of acute nonspecific back pain and acute lower back pain among individuals engaging in sports and their preferred treatments.

Methods

In each country, 1000 participants were surveyed (Step 1) to identify a population of nonspecific acute back pain sufferers, understand pain and treatment characteristics, and generate profiles for individuals with long-lasting (≥7 days) acute lower back pain. Subsequently, 200 participants with acute lower back pain episodes (7–21 days) and sports participation were identified in each country and completed surveys (Step 2) about sociodemographic, pain, treatment characteristics, and causes/triggers of long-lasting acute lower back pain episodes.

Results

In the United States, China, Russia, and Germany, respectively, 59%, 49%, 61%, and 63% of respondents reported ≥1 episode of nonspecific acute back pain in the previous 6 months. Average numbers of monthly nonspecific acute back pain episodes in the United States, Russia, Germany, and China were 2.5, 1.8, 1.3, and 0.8, respectively. Prevalence of acute lower back pain associated with sports/leisure activities ranged from 20% (Russia and Germany) to 46% (China). Onset of long-lasting acute lower back pain was between ages 30 and 33 years, limiting usual activities and reducing walking distance in 60% to 85% of respondents across all countries. Acute lower back pain started post-exercise within the first day for ≥75% of respondents. Most popular nonprescription and prescription treatments for acute lower back pain were creams/gels in Russia, creams/gels and oral painkillers in Germany, oral painkillers in the United States, and hot/cold patches in China.

Conclusion

These results help to better understand acute back pain triggers, features, and treatment preferences among sports participants in different countries. Further research is warranted to develop preventative strategies.

Trial Registration

Not applicable.

Keywords:

• lower back pain
• surveys and questionnaires
• acute pain
• sports

Abbreviations

HCP, health-care professional; US, United States.

Data Sharing Statement

The aggregated data that support the findings of this survey are available upon reasonable request from Haleon S.A. Requests must include a research proposal describing the objectives of research and its benefits for patients accompanied by a sufficient description of statistical and publication plans. Each request will be reviewed on an individual basis by Haleon to assess the ability of the proposal to meet the proposed scientific objectives and relevance to patient care.

Ethics Approval and Informed Consent

Ethics approval was not applicable because this was a survey, and respondents had no contact with any type of health-care professional or product at any time in the process of the research. All participants provided informed consent through Ipsos Terms & Conditions provided at the time of study conduct in 2016.

Acknowledgments

Data management and statistical analyses were performed by Ipsos and were funded by Haleon. Medical writing assistance was provided by Peloton Advantage, LLC, an OPEN Health company, Parsippany, NJ, and was funded by Haleon.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or all areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

Nadine Maybaum is an employee of Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare), Warren, NJ, USA. Salvador Rios-Martinez was an employee of GSK Consumer Healthcare (now known as Haleon) at the time the research was conducted. Martin Johnson was a consultant for GSK Consumer Healthcare (now known as Haleon) and has given lectures and participated in advisory boards for Grünenthal, Mundipharma, Flynn Pharma, and Pfizer. Dr Johnson also reports personal fees from Medical Services Ltd, personal fees from St Pancras Clinical Research, outside the submitted work; and British Pain Society Council Member. RCGP Co-Opted from 2010-2012, 2022 – onwards; Honorary Secretary of the BPS Council, Oct 2012–May 2016; Vice President to the BPS Council, May 2016–May 2018; also Royal College of General Practitioners Representative for Chronic Pain 2011 onwards; Member of Pain Parliamentary Campaign Group since 2022. The authors report no other conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

This survey study was funded by Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare), Warren, NJ.