| Summary: | <b>Background</b>: Low back pain (LBP) is a widespread medical complaint affecting many people worldwide and costing billions. Studies suggest a link between LBP and joint hypermobility. This study aimed to examine the association between symptomatic joint hypermobility (SJH), LBP, and gender. <b>Methods:</b> Data were obtained from a medical database containing 17-year-old candidates’ records before recruitment into mandatory military service. According to the Regulations of Medical Fitness Determination, information on disability codes associated with LBP and SJH was retrieved. <b>Results:</b> According to this national survey, the prevalence of SJH is 0.11% (1355 cases out of 1,220,073 subjects). LBP was identified in 3.7% of the cohort (44,755 subjects). Subjects were further subdivided into LBP without objective findings (LBPWF) (3.5%) and LBP with objective findings (LBPOF) (0.2%). The association between SJH and LBP was examined: the Odds Ratio (OR) was 2.912 (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). The odds rations for LBPWF and LBPOF were further calculated to be 2.914 (<i>p</i> < 0.000) and 2.876 (<i>p</i> < 0.000), respectively. Subjects with SJH were almost three times more prone to LBPWF and LBPOF. <b>Conclusion:</b> SJH is strongly associated with LBP in young adults. Further pathophysiological research is needed.
|
|---|