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Low back pain and disability in 14-year-old schoolchildren
J J Salminen1, J Pentti, P Terho
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Turku, Finland.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Low back pain is common in Finnish schoolchildren, affecting 30% lifetime and 7.8% chronically. Girls report more pain and daily activity issues than boys.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Low back pain (LBP) is a significant health concern impacting adolescents.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of LBP in schoolchildren is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and incidence of low back pain and sciatica in 14-year-old Finnish schoolchildren.
- To investigate the impact of LBP on daily activities and identify risk factors for chronicity.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional prevalence study involving 1503 Finnish schoolchildren aged 14.
- Data collected on pain experience, duration, recovery, and interference with daily activities.
Main Results:
- Lifetime cumulative incidence of LBP was 30%, with 7.8% classified as "low back pain chronics".
- Girls reported various pains more frequently than boys and experienced greater daily activity limitations due to recurrent LBP.
- Sciatica and recurrent LBP were associated with increased difficulty in daily activities.
Conclusions:
- Low back pain is a prevalent issue among Finnish adolescents, with a notable proportion experiencing chronic pain and functional limitations.
- Gender and co-occurring sciatica are important factors influencing the impact of low back pain on daily life in this population.