Abstract

Non-specific low back pain (LBP) is well documented in the literature as a common health concern among adults, adolescents and even children. The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of back pain at the level of different spinal segments (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) among secondary school pupils (15-20 years).A random sample of 468 secondary school pupils aged 15-20 years completed an anonymous questionnaire during a lesson. The results were subjected to a statistical analysis.A total of 374 (79.9%) teenagers reported one or more episodes of back pain, of whom only 33 (8%) had consulted a physiotherapist. 294 (62.8%) respondents had experienced recurrent pain. Most adolescents reported pain in the lumbar region, but 18% had experienced pain in the thoracic spine, and 19% had experienced cervical pain. A total of 6% of the respondents reported that the back pain had prevented them from undertaking physical activity, lifting objects or studying.1. Back pain in adolescents is a functional and social problem as well as a medical one. 2. It considerably impairs the ability to carry out activities of daily living, which may significantly disrupt normal development in adolescence and influence career choices in the future. 3. Our study demonstrated that back pain in adolescents should not be perceived as limited to non-specific low back pain.

Key words:

back pain, adolescents, epidemiology