Are lifestyle-factors in adolescence predictors for adult low back pain? A cross-sectional and prospective study of young twins
2006

Lifestyle Factors in Adolescence and Adult Low Back Pain

Sample size: 9600 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Hestbaek Lise, Leboeuf-Yde Charlotte, Kyvik Kirsten Ohm

Primary Institution: The Back Research Center, University of Southern Denmark

Hypothesis

Are lifestyle factors in adolescence predictors for adult low back pain?

Conclusion

The study found that smoking in adolescence is associated with an increased risk of low back pain in adulthood, while alcohol consumption showed a negative association.

Supporting Evidence

  • Smoking at baseline showed a dose-response relationship with low back pain at follow-up.
  • Alcohol consumption was negatively associated with future low back pain.
  • No significant association was found between adolescent overweight and adult low back pain.

Takeaway

If you smoke as a teenager, you might have more back pain when you grow up, but drinking alcohol might actually help reduce that pain.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from twins aged 12-22, using cross-sectional and longitudinal methods to assess the impact of smoking, alcohol consumption, and overweight on low back pain.

Potential Biases

Potential for underreporting due to self-reported measures.

Limitations

The study relied on self-reported data, which may lead to underreporting of lifestyle factors.

Participant Demographics

Participants were twins aged 12-22, with a higher proportion of females at follow-up.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2474-7-27

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