[Low back pain in children and adolescents. Prevalence, risk factors and prevention]

Abstract

The occurrence of non-specific low back pain (LBP) in 14-16-year-old adolescents has almost reached the level in adults. Among other things, the ranges of reported prevalences are wide, owing to the use of various outcome measures, questionnaire terminology, and differences in age and gender. A review of the literature points out some important possible risk factors for LBP: minimal physical activity, intensive sports, genetics, psychosocial factors, smoking and leisure-time activities with a high physical impact. However, the causal relations are not clear, and the morbidity related to non-specific LBP in adolescents has not yet been elucidated. Few intervention studies have been published, and the means of prevention have not yet been found. Research in LBP in adolescents deserves a high priority in the future to provide evidence for a relevant prevention strategy.