Published Paper Details:

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a major health concern, as described by the World Health Organization (WHO), affecting people of all ages, including school-aged children. LBP can hinder movement, diminish quality of life, and impact mental well-being. Non-specific LBP, accounting for about 90% of cases, occurs without an identifiable disease or structural issue, while specific LBP is linked to pathologies. This study aims to assess the prevalence of Non Specific LBP among schoolchildren, evaluate pain intensity, and identify activity limitations due to LBP. Methodology: This observational study was conducted in the Northern state of India, involving schoolchildren aged 11-16 years. The study included children without musculoskeletal or systemic diseases and with normal BMI. Participants were surveyed for LBP using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale and the Hanover Functional Ability Questionnaire. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before data collection. Results: Among the surveyed students, 200 (13.33%) reported experiencing LBP, with 82 boys and 118 girls affected. Pain intensity ranged from 1 to 5 on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Functional ability assessment revealed no significant correlation between pain levels and limited functional activities. Specific activities like reaching high levels from the floor were more frequently affected, while activities such as getting up from bed were less impacted. Conclusion: The study concluded a notable prevalence of LBP among schoolchildren, with moderate pain intensity and mild impact on functional activities. These findings align with previous studies and highlight the need for targeted interventions to manage and prevent LBP in this population.