Prevalence of neck–shoulder pain and low back pain among high school students in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: Neck–shoulder pain (NSP) and low back pain (LBP) can interfere with a normal function that affect work productivity, daily activity, and comfortable sleeping. On the long term, it could cause musculoskeletal disability. The prevalence of this pain is unknown among adolescents in Riyadh. The purpose of the study is to measure the prevalence of NSP and LBP among high schools' students in Riyadh and to pinpoint the associated possible causes responsible for their occurrence. Methods: This is a quantitative, observational cross-sectional study done in Riyadh. We have selected five high schools, from different regions of the city. We have performed the study using a self-administered questionnaire administered to 596 adolescent students at the five selected high schools in Riyadh. Results: A total of 563 (56.0% of males and 44.0% of females) participants completed the questionnaire. Around half of the samples (49.7%) reported to have both NSP and LBP, and 18.1% reported that they have experienced neither NSP nor LBP. NSP was reported by 69.4% of participants and was significantly associated with female gender and mood change and abdominal sleeping position. LBP, on the other hand, was reported by 62.2% of participants and was significantly associated with female gender and mood change. Conclusions: NSP and LBP are common problems among high school students in Riyadh. Being female, having mood changes, and abdominal sleeping position are risk factors.