Cypriot study reveals high prevalence of back and neck pain in schoolchildren

A scientific study conducted in Cyprus, published on April 23, 2026, in the journal BMC Pediatrics, indicates that a significant majority of adolescents suffer from chronic musculoskeletal pain. The research surveyed 245 students aged 11 to 18, finding that 66% (162 students) reported back pain, while 58% experienced neck pain. The findings emphasize that these are not merely "growing pains," as many students reported symptoms occurring more than once per week.

The health issues described significantly impact the students' daily lives and academic attendance. Specifically, 89 students reported frequent back pain and 70 reported frequent neck pain, with some students missing school days due to their condition. Additionally, the study suggests that a family history of such pain increases the likelihood of adolescents reporting similar symptoms by approximately 2.7 times. Researchers warn that these issues, which are often exacerbated by the use of heavy school bags and digital devices, may persist into adulthood if left unaddressed.

While the study highlights the clear correlation between health history and current symptoms, it notes that the specific impact of extracurricular activities and mobile device usage requires further analysis. The researchers aim to draw attention to these findings to shift perceptions regarding adolescent physical health, moving away from dismissing these pains as temporary developmental issues.