Synopsis

Back pain is a rising health problem that affects more than 60% of Australian population. Causes of back pain may be associated with a number of factors. In many instances, the causes of back pain are unclear however, making the condition difficult to manage. One possible cause of back pain is obesity. People who are obese patients are more likely to develop back pain. Women are also more likely to experience back pain than men; menstruation is one possible explanation for this gender difference. The proposed study aims to examine the association between obesity, menstrual characteristics and back pain in young Australian women aged 18-23 years old.