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Perceived severity and management of low back pain in adult dancers in the United States
Henn, Erica Smith, Tina Ambegaonkar, Jatin Wyon, Matthew
Henn, Erica
Smith, Tina
Ambegaonkar, Jatin
Wyon, Matthew
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2022-06-15
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Abstract
Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) lifetime prevalence in dancers reportedly ranges from 17%-88%. LBP can have negative secondary consequences on dancers’ lives and careers. Still, how LBP impacts dancer function and medical care-seeking behaviors, and whether these issues differ across dance genres, is understudied. Materials and Methods: 289 ballet, modern, and hip-hop dancers and teachers (median age=20.3 years; range:18-69) in the United States age 18 years and older completed an online 24 question survey assessing LBP related self-reported injury history, impact on their lives, and management strategies. We defined LBP as occurrence of acute or chronic pain in the lumbar or sacral regions of the back. Results: 257 participants (88.9% of 289 total) reported at least one instance of LBP during their lifetime and 220 participants reported LBP in the prior four weeks. Of these 220, 72 (32.7%) had LBP severe enough to limit their activities of daily living. Of the 213 who had LBP and danced during that time, 89 (41.8%) reported that LBP limited their dancing. Pain intensity (median:4 on a 0-10 scale, IQR:3.0) and LBP prevalence were similar across dance genres. Dancers sought multiple medical professionals, most often chiropractors (n=94, 33.8%), medical doctors (n=77, 27.7%), and physiotherapists (n=60, 21.6%). 90 dancers (35.0% of those with LBP) never sought medical care for their LBP at all. Dancers who did seek care reported higher pain intensities (median:4, IQR:3.8) than those who did not (median:3, IQR:3.0). Conclusion: Overall, most participants did suffer from LBP. LBP negatively impacts dancers’ everyday activities and dancing. Pain intensity and loss of function may impact care-seeking. Our findings highlight the need for all dance stakeholders to educate dancers about their health, provide resources for dancer healthcare, and proactively create an environment that supports injury reporting behaviors in dancers.
Citation
Henn, E., Smith, T., Ambegaonkar, J. and Wyon, M. (2022) Perceived severity and management of low back pain in adult dancers in the United States. Journal of Dance Medicine and Science, 26(3), pp.173-180. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12678/1089-313X.091522d
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Journal article
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en
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This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by J. Michael Ryan Publishing Inc. in Journal of Dance Medicine & Science on 15/06/2022.
The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.
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1089-313X