When Exercise Hurts: Prevalence and Intensity of Low Back Pain Among Gym-Goers in Hyderabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is an important musculoskeletal complaint, but its occurrence and severity among recreational gym-goers in Hyderabad, Pakistan, remain insufficiently characterized. Objective: To determine the prevalence of self-reported LBP and describe its intensity, frequency, and reported aggravating activities among gym-goers in Hyderabad. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study recruited 277 gym-goers aged 18–35 years through convenience sampling from multiple gyms over six months. A structured self-administered questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, gym participation, health history, and LBP symptoms. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale. Data were summarized using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations in IBM SPSS Statistics version 25.0. Results: Participants were predominantly male (62.5%), and 91.0% were classified as having healthy weight. LBP was reported by 243 participants (87.7%). Mild, moderate, and severe pain accounted for 63.5%, 23.8%, and 0.4% of the total sample, respectively. Once-weekly pain was the most frequently recorded frequency category (63.5%). Weightlifting was the most frequently reported aggravating activity (30.0%), followed by cardio exercise (19.1%) and powerlifting (15.9%). Conclusion: Self-reported LBP was common in this gym-going sample, with mild symptoms predominating. Its functional importance and relationship with specific training practices remain undetermined