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European Spine Journal
Published in: European Spine Journal 3/2014

01-06-2014 | Review Article

Primary prevention of disc degeneration-related symptoms

Authors: Aron Lazary, Zsolt Szövérfi, Julia Szita, Annamária Somhegyi, Michelle Kümin, Peter Paul Varga

Published in: European Spine Journal | Special Issue 3/2014

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Abstract

Introduction

It has been shown previously that a history of low back pain often begins in childhood or adulthood. Indeed, the prevalence of severe back symptoms among schoolchildren is not insignificant. Possibilities for the primary prevention of intervertebral disc degeneration-related conditions are poorly reported in the literature despite the assumed socio-economical impact of the prevention of these conditions.

Methods

In this review, the authors have collated published data on the prevalence and risk factors of childhood low back pain as well as the structure and results of published primary prevention programs.

Results

The prevalence of self-reported low back pain is 7–65 % among children and it increases with age. Several lifestyle factors have been reported as significant risk factors for back pain, many of which are related to the schools. Current educational primary prevention programs in schools show no clear or long-term stable effect.

Conclusion

Considering the growing evidence about the importance of normal and bad posture, an exercise-based posture correction program is suggested as a school-based primary prevention of disc degeneration-related symptoms. Further, prospective randomized studies with more than 20 years follow-up, however, are strongly required to confirm it.
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Metadata
Title
Primary prevention of disc degeneration-related symptoms
Authors
Aron Lazary
Zsolt Szövérfi
Julia Szita
Annamária Somhegyi
Michelle Kümin
Peter Paul Varga
Publication date
01-06-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
European Spine Journal / Issue Special Issue 3/2014
Print ISSN: 0940-6719
Electronic ISSN: 1432-0932
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-013-3069-x

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