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Community child health, public health, and epidemiology
Low back pain in schoolchildren: the role of mechanical and psychosocial factors
  1. K D Watson,
  2. A C Papageorgiou,
  3. G T Jones,
  4. S Taylor,
  5. D P M Symmons,
  6. A J Silman,
  7. G J Macfarlane
  1. Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) Epidemiology Unit, School of Epidemiology and Health Sciences, Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
  1. Correspondence to:
    Professor G J Macfarlane, Unit of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Medical School, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK;
    G.Macfarlane{at}.man.ac.uk

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) in schoolchildren with no apparent clinical cause is known to be a common problem, but considerably less is understood regarding the aetiology of such pain.

Aim: To assess the role of both mechanical and psychosocial factors (including emotional and behavioural problems and other somatic pain complaints) in childhood LBP.

Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in a population of 1446 schoolchildren aged 11–14 years. Information on these potential risk factors for LBP was sought using a self complete questionnaire and a five day bag weight diary.

Results: Mechanical factors such as physical activity and school bag weight were not associated with LBP. However, strong associations with LBP were observed for emotional problems, conduct problems, troublesome headaches, abdominal pain, sore throats, and daytime tiredness.

Conclusion: Results suggest that psychosocial factors rather than mechanical factors are more important in LBP occurring in young populations and could possibly be a reflection of distress in schoolchildren.

  • epidemiology
  • low back pain
  • mechanical load
  • BMI, body mass index
  • LBP, low bain pain
  • SDQ, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire

https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.88.1.12

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      Harvey Marcovitch
      Archives of Disease in Childhood 2003; 88 1-1 Published Online First: 01 Jan 2003. doi: 10.1136/adc.88.1.1-a