Assessing the Prevalence of Recurrent Neck and Shoulder Pain in Korean High School Male Students: A Cross-sectional Observational Study

Abstract

Background Neck and shoulder pain (NSP) is fairly common in adolescents, which is associated with a high prevalence of NSP found during adulthood as well; therefore, its significance during adolescence should not be underestimated. We surveyed the prevalence of recurrent NSP, lifestyle, and risk factors in Korean high school students, and examined the influence of recurrent NSP on the quality of life. Methods Nine hundred thirty one male students (16-19 years old) from two academic high schools in Seoul were included in this study. The survey consisted of a questionnaire to assess the prevalence of recurrent NSP, with questions regarding having an occurrence more than once a week, characteristics of NSP, activity and lifestyle of the students, and the risk factors for recurrent NSP. A 36-item Short Form questionnaire was also examined. Results We found that 44.3% of the high school students surveyed had recurrent NSP (more than once a week) and the overall prevalence of NSP was 79.1%. The average sitting time was 10.2 ± 2.7 h/day. 59.0% did not sit straight, 14.7% used assisting devices during reading, and 11.9% answered that they stretched regularly. Found from their self assessed health, frequent fatigue and frequent depressed mood presented significant associations with the higher prevalence of recurrent NSP. Conclusions Korean high school students had a high prevalence of recurrent NSP. Clinical attention is needed for the prevention and resolution of recurrent NSP found in high school students.

The effect of education on decreasing the prevalence and severity of neck and shoulder pain: a longitudinal study in Korean male adolescents

“…In a study by Jung et al [ 11 ], the prevalence of NSP in Korean high school students was 82.9%, with 33.4% experiencing NSP weekly. In previous study [ 10 ], the overall prevalence of NSP in students was 79.1%, and 44.3% had recurrent NSP, which are similar to the rates in Jung et al [ 11 ] and confirm that NSP is more prevalent among Korean high school students compared with European students [ 7 , 12 , 13 ]. By contrast, adult studies have suggested a lower prevalence in Asian populations [ 4 , 19 ].…”

“…In previous studies, the prevalence of recurrent NSP in Korean high school students was higher than 30%, and the overall prevalence of NSP was almost 80% [ 10 , 11 ]. It was more common than in Europe [ 7 , 12 , 13 ].…”

“…It was more common than in Europe [ 7 , 12 , 13 ]. Korean adolescents spend a significant amount of time sitting, and considerable number of students sits in inappropriate posture [ 10 ]. Presumably, remaining in an unsuitable static position for a prolonged period of time results in minor injuries to muscles and ligaments that possibly cause the high prevalence of NSP in Korean adolescents.…”

Back Pain Related with Age, Anthropometric Variables, Sagittal Spinal Curvatures, Hamstring Extensibility, Physical Activity and Health Related Quality of Life in Male and Female High School Students

“…In fact, together with age, these were the unique variables included in the logistic regression model to predict SP. Some studies have shown that SP is associated with poorer quality of life in adolescents [ 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 ] but few of them have analyzed differences between the sexes [ 54 ]. This previous study reported that the association between LBP and lower quality of life was higher in girls [ 54 ], which corroborates the present findings and hypothesis (c).…”

Effects of musculoskeletal system problems on quality of life and depression in students preparing for university entrance exam

“…All of these reasons can cause moderate musculoskeletal discomfort in students. Musculoskeletal problems increase anxiety, psychological distress, somatic awareness, and depressive symptoms [ 7 8 ].…”