Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Pain in Young Adults

Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) represents a leading cause of disability among young adults, with lifetime prevalence estimates ranging from 30% to 70% depending on population and anatomical region. Low back and neck pain are particularly common in those aged 18–30 years, where sedentary behaviours, academic or vocational training demands and psychosocial stress converge. Key risk factors include prolonged sitting and awkward posture, high study or work intensity, family history of musculoskeletal disorders, elevated body mass index, smoking and inadequate physical activity. Female sex and high perceived stress also heighten vulnerability. Beyond immediate discomfort, early onset MSP predicts long-term limitations in physical function, diminished quality of life and increased health-care utilisation. Global surveillance underscores regional variation, with higher burdens reported in low- and middle-income settings, while intervention studies point to the value of ergonomic education, regular exercise and stress management as preventive strategies.

Research from Nature Portfolio

A large cross-sectional analysis of a representative adult population assessed chronic low back pain lasting more than three months and its association with functional and psychological outcomes. Although encompassing a broad age range, the findings illuminate the impact of long-standing pain in early adulthood. Approximately 8% of respondents reported chronic symptoms, and those affected exhibited significantly poorer physical function, greater limitations in daily activities, heightened depressive symptoms and reduced health-related quality of life after adjustment for demographic and lifestyle factors. High rates of health-care seeking were noted, yet gaps in rehabilitation access persisted. The study emphasises the need for early identification, integrated pain management and public health policies to mitigate the transition from acute to chronic pain in young adults.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Pain in Young Adults publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in epidemiology and risk factors of musculoskeletal pain in young adults across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Prevalence: The proportion of individuals in a population who have a particular condition at a specified time or over a defined period.

Chronic low back pain: Pain localised to the lumbar region persisting for longer than three months.

Cross-sectional study: An observational design that assesses both exposures and outcomes in a defined population at a single point in time.

Odds ratio: A statistical measure expressing the odds of an outcome occurring in one group relative to another, often used to quantify associations with risk factors.

References

1. Lower back pain amongst medical trainees in clinical rotations: implications for choosing future career regarding medical practice. Frontiers in Public Health (2024).
2. Musculoskeletal pain is prevalent in Chinese medical and dental students: A cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Public Health (2022).
3. Low Back Pain among Medical Students in Belgrade (Serbia): A Cross‐Sectional Study. Pain Research and Management (2018).
4. Chronic low back pain and its impact on physical function, mental health, and health-related quality of life: a cross-sectional study in Singapore. Scientific Reports (2022).