Diversity of sport activities in relation to low back and neck-shoulder region pain

What is it about?

Low back pain and neck-shoulder region pain are related to the loading one's spine confronts daily. Physical activity which includes work, household, and sport activities can both increase and decrease the pain symptoms. Yet, in long term, moderate level of leisure-time physical activity has seemed to prevent chronic pain conditions. We wanted to investigate whether participation in several sport activities rather than only in one sport activity could reduce low back pain and neck-shoulder region pain. We found that adults who participated in five or more sport activities had less weekly low back pain but no less neck-shoulder region pain.

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Photo by Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash

Photo by Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Low back and neck-shoulder region pain are some of the most common musculoskeletal pain symptoms leading to doctor consultations, sick leaves, and even early retirements, which makes them burdening problems for societies and many individuals. Physical activity is one of the most important ways to prevent and treat these pain conditions. It has been difficult to define how much and what kind of physical activity one should do: no physical activity at all is related to more pain but also too much physical activity can cause pain and even lead to overuse injuries. Yet, participation in several sport activities could increase the possibility to reach the adequate level of physical activity to decrease the risk of pain symptoms. In addition, diversity, i.e. participation in several different sport activities, may also provide a wider range of movements and improve motor control, which may lead to adaptations in muscles and spine that prevent stress and acute injuries.

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