Back pain in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A comprehensive review

Abstract

Purpose: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal deformity that affects millions of children worldwide. A variety of treatment algorithms exist for patients based on radiographic parameters such as the Cobb angle and the Risser stage. However, there has been a growing focus on nonradiographic outcomes such as back pain, which can cause functional disability and reduced quality of life for patients. In spite of this, back pain in AIS is poorly characterized in the literature. We aimed to summarize various factors that may influence back pain in AIS and the impact of different treatment methods on pain reduction. Methods: A comprehensive systematic review was undertaken using the PubMed and Cochrane database. Keywords that were utilized and combined with “Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis” included, “back pain,” “treatment,” “biomechanics,” “biochemistry,” “epidemiology,” and “biopsychosocial.” The literature was subsequently evaluated and deemed relevant or not relevant for inclusion. Results: A total of 93 articles were ultimately included in this review. A variety of contradictory literature was present for all sections related to epidemiology, underlying biomechanics and biochemistry, biopsychosocial factors, and treatment methodologies. Conclusion: Back pain in AIS is common but remains difficult to predict and treat. The literature pertaining to causative factors and treatment options is heterogeneous and inconclusive. Longer-term prospective studies combining biopsychosocial intervention in conjunction with existing curve correction techniques would be meaningful.

Risk factors of the depressive and anxiety disorders development among patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and possible therapeutic interventions

“…This directly affects the promotion of inflammation within these tissues, and thus leads to a faster progression of degenerative changes, which, in turn, results in an increased risk of both acute and chronic pain [12,13]. Recent scientific evidence indicates that chronic back pain (CBP) is not a rare symptom reported in the adolescent group [14,15]. CBP is particularly more frequently observed among female adolescents, with spinal curvature assessed by a Cobb angle > 40 degrees, as well as in those who have been treated with non-surgical treatments for spinal curvature, Curr Probl Psychiatry, Vol.…”

Back Pain in Adolescents and Young Adults with Idiopathic Scoliosis—Identifying Factors Associated with Significant Pain—A Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis

“…Currently, it appears that back pain is a significant issue for patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). According to recent literature reviews, the back pain prevalence among adolescents with IS exceeds 30% [1,2]. Teenagers with scoliosis are twice as likely to have back pain than those without [3,4].…”