BACK AND OTHER MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPLAINTS IN ADOLESCENTS 92

Abstract

Chronic low back pain in adults is associated with a previous history and earlier age of onset. Therefore, a better understanding of the factors involved in adolescent back pain may lead to better prevention strategies and have a positive impact later on in adulthood. Our objectives were to determine the frequency of back pain and other musculoskeletal complaints in an adolescent population, measure disability resulting from such pain, and determine if there are any associations between specific pains and specific activities. 810 urban high school students in Montreal, Quebec, Canada completed a self-administered assisted questionnaire which addressed health issues of a musculoskeletal nature as well as lifestyle and psychosocial variables. Pain occurring at a frequency of at least once a week within the past six months was considered to be a substantial musculoskeletal complaint. We found that the most common musculoskeletal complaints were low back pain(25%) followed by knee pain (21%), foot pain (19%), upper back pain (16%), neck pain (15%). Consultation with a professional for musculoskeletal pain was highest for knee problems. Medication use in the past month for musculoskeletal pain was 1.1% - 3.5% depending on the site of pain. Musculoskeletal pain caused more than 18% of students to miss school and 25% to miss physical education class. The frequency of low back pain increased as age increased and girls had more back pain complaints than boys. Smokers complained more of low back pain than nonsmokers (35% vs. 22%). No activity was associated with increased complaints of low back pain. We conclude that musculoskeletal complaints are common in adolescents, and disability is substantial. Development of prevention strategies for the adolescent population may be advisable.