The one-week prevalence of neck and low back pain and the association with moderate to extremely severe symptoms of anxiety in university students

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the one-week prevalence of neck and low back pain in undergraduate students, and the association between neck and low back pain and symptoms of anxiety. Methods: Cross-sectional study in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech and the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2017. Neck and low back pain intensity in the past week were measured with a 10-point numerical rating scale. Anxiety symptoms in the past month were measured with the DASS-21. Log-binomial regression models were built to measure the association. Results: Almost half of the samples experienced any neck or low back pain in the preceding week. Neck and low back pain was associated with symptoms of anxiety. Conclusion: Low back and neck pain are common among university students. Students with low back or neck pain are more likely to report moderate to extremely severe symptoms of anxiety.