Musculoskeletal Pain During Late Adolescence: The Generation R Study

Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is one of the most prevalent health issues among adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and characteristics of MSK pain in 17-year-old adolescents and to examine its associations with demographics, previous reporting of musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, lifestyle factors, and behaviour.

Data were derived from a longitudinal birth cohort study. MSK pain prevalence, location, and characteristics were assessed using a questionnaire. Demographics, BMI, previously reported MSK pain, lifestyle factors, and behaviour were derived from questionnaires and measurements at follow-up moments during early and late adolescence. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression techniques.

2537 participants were included at follow-up, with a mean age of 18.7 (0.8) years. A MSK pain prevalence of 15.5% (n = 393) was found. Of these, 62.3% experienced daily pain. Median MSK pain duration was 21.5 weeks (Interquartile range: 4.8-103.2), with a mean pain score of 5.3 (0-10 scale). The most frequently reported locations for MSK pain were the lower back (28.0%), the knee (26.2%), and the upper back (24.2%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that MSK pain at age 13 years (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.48; 3.07) and behavioural problems (OR 1.77; 95% CI 1.20;2.62) were associated with MSK pain at age 18.7.

MSK pain is common in adolescents, with a high prevalence and a chronic aspect. The most prevalent locations of MSK pain were the back and the knee, with a large share of participants experiencing chronic complaints. Previous MSK pain and behavioural problems at young adolescence are associated with MSK pain at age 18.7 in boys and in the total study population.

Current knowledge on musculoskeletal pain development and changes during adolescence is lacking in the literature. We report the prevalence and characteristics of musculoskeletal pain in late adolescence in a large population cohort study (N = 2537) and, due to the longitudinal basis of our study, compared these incidences to musculoskeletal pain incidence at early adolescence.