DETERMINANTS OF SELF-REPORTED NECK-SHOULDER AND LOW-BACK SYMPTOMS IN A GENERAL-POPULATION

Study Design. A combined cross-sectional and longitudinal design. Obje ctives, To investigate relation between, on one hand, self-reported ne ck-shoulder symptoms and, on the other hand, low back symptoms and sel f-reported work-related physical load, psychosocial factors, and indiv idual characteristics and to study the influence of physical capacity in adolescence on neck-shoulder and low back symptoms in adulthood, Su mmary of Background Data. Heavy physical work and exposure to vibratio n constitute risk factors for low back problems, and repetitive and st atic work are risk factors for neck-shoulder symptoms in many jobs. Th e interplay between individual factors and work-related psychosocial a nd physical exposure, however, is not well documented. This study addr esses effects of adolescent capacity on this interplay in a general po pulation. Methods, A random sample of 425 Swedish students was investi gated when the students were 16 years and 34 years of age. Sixty-five percent participated in both examinations; only those who worked great er than or equal to 16 hours/week at the follow-up period, 148 men and 90 women, were included in these analyses, Data about musculoskeletal Symptoms, work, and sociodemographic and individual characteristics w ere collected at the age of 34 years; physical performance data were c ollected at the ages of 16 years and 34 years. Results, Among the men, self-employment and worry were associated with neck-shoulder symptoms ; among the women, monotonous work and high decision latitude were ass ociated with neck-shoulder symptoms. Low back problems were related to monotonous work among men and women and to exposure to vibration amon g men, Performance in certain fitness tests at the ages of 16 years an d 34 years was negatively associated with musculoskeletal symptoms. Co nclusions. The inverse relationship between performance at the age of 16 years and adult musculoskeletal symptoms may imply benefits of earl y fitness training.