MSDs in young people: how can they be prevented? 

When we think of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), we generally think of adults, considering them to be the exclusive preserve of the occupational context. 

However, reports from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) have highlighted the high prevalence of MSDs among children and young people.  

Faced with this worrying situation, it is necessary to tackle the problem head-on and focus on early preventive strategies, so as not to harm the musculoskeletal development of the youngest. 

MSDs in young people: a few figures

• The prevalence of MSDs in children and young people (aged 7 to 26.5) who have not yet entered the workforce is around 30%. 

• The average prevalence among young workers (aged 15 to 32) who have entered the workforce is 34%. 

• Young women before entering the workforce are more likely to be affected by MSDs than the general population (34% of women vs. 26% of men and 27% of the general population). 

Median percentages of children and young people with MSDs before and after entering the labour market (data published between 2010 and 2021) grouped by country – European Agency for Safety and Health at Work

In European countries, the prevalence of young people suffering from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) before entering the world of work increases following their entry into the workforce: the average initial prevalence is 27% (median percentage), rising to 36% after entering the world of work. 

The main factors linked to the onset of MSDs in young people 

Physical factors have a major influence on the onset of MSDs. These include : 

• Obesity: several data suggest that a high BMI in a child or young person can lead to a greater onset of MSDs.  

• Lack of sleep: Sleep quality is essential for maintaining physical, mental and cognitive health. In younger people, sleep quality is a predictive factor for neck, lower back and shoulder pain. 

• A sedentary lifestyle or, on the contrary, inappropriate physical over-activity: in both extremes, it could be associated with the presence of back pain in younger people.  

• Injuries related to leisure activities: First falls and various accidents can contribute to the onset of MSDs 

• Poor posture:  Younger people tend to have poor posture, which can lead to back and/or neck pain; from childhood onwards, it is therefore decisive to pass on good posture habits. 

• Growing pains: during growth, muscular or bony pains can appear, affecting the back or legs in younger people.   

These are correlated with socio-economic and individual factors (gender, age, etc.) which can determine the onset of MSDs. 

Prevention for the younger generation 

The challenge is therefore clear: preventing the onset of MSDs from childhood onwards is an essential lever for preserving their musculoskeletal development. It also helps prevent these already existing ailments from being exacerbated when they enter the world of work. 

What preventive strategies should be put in place from childhood onwards? 

Education 

Education appears to be an effective means of providing good knowledge and raising awareness among young people of musculoskeletal development, pain and risk factors. In a playful way, a culture of prevention can be introduced to young people in schools.  

 It’s worth noting that poor posture is more likely to be found in the school environment: slouching at a school desk, or carrying a heavy schoolbag, are all consequences of musculoskeletal pain. This requires preventive action in schools, but also the involvement of parents and educators. 

Medical follow-up 

In general, young people stop growing at the end of puberty. This varies from person to person, but the average is around 16/17 for boys and 14/16 for girls. During this period, depending on the speed of growth, the first muscular or bone pains may appear: it is important to have medical supervision from an early age to monitor this growth and prevent certain pathologies.  

Physical exercise  

Physical exercise has many benefits for the development of young children. Physical activity promotes healthy growth and development. It increases motor skills and reduces muscular tension. Energy expenditure is also beneficial in preventing and/or managing obesity, which is one of the factors behind the onset of MSDs in the youngest children.  

Injury awareness 

Preventing injuries during leisure and sporting activities by raising awareness helps to make the youngest members of society aware of possible risks, and to adopt the right behaviors to avoid physical trauma.  

Ergonomic equipment  

Ergonomics also has a role to play, at any age. For example, the use of adapted office equipment: desks, chairs, computer equipment… Both for students and young professionals already on the job market, this helps prevent fatigue and muscular tension, as well as improving posture.  

Conclusion 

Of course, in a prevention approach, it is also necessary to consider other risk factors (individual, psychosocial, organizational…) for it to be global and representative.  

Preventing MSDs in young people is therefore crucial to their health and future development. Adopting good practices from an early age, through awareness-raising and education on the subject, is a sustainable approach. 

By investing in these strategies, we can reduce the prevalence of MSDs, and guarantee the younger generation a smoother entry into working life! 

SOURCE : 

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work – Musculoskeletal disorders among children and young people: prevalence, risk factors, preventive measures (2021). https://osha.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2021-10/Mainstreaming_MSDs_into_education_report.pdf