Introduction: Low back pain in children and adolescents is located under the rib arc and above the lower gluteal fold with or without leg pain in the age range up to nineteen years. Among the most significant risk factors of developing low back pain among adolescents are age, gender, anthropometric parameters, muscular performance and flexibility, biological factors, daily screen time, physical activity, school-related risk factors, smoking, sleep disorders, and psychosocial factors. The occurrence of low back pain in adolescence is an important predictor of low back pain occurrence in adulthood. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to identify and prevent low back pain as soon as possible. Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to present the risk factors for the development of low back pain among adolescents through literature review. Methods: A literature review was used as a method of work. The literature search was carried out using the Cobiss, PubMed, Medline, ResearchGate, and Crossref databases and was limited to Slovenian and English language. Results: The prevalence of low back pain is increasing among adolescents. The factors associated with the occurrence of low back pain include the female sex, rapid growth, decreased physical endurance, decreased muscular capacity of the trunk muscles, reduced flexibility in the hip and knee joint, physical inactivity, high-level sporting practice, prolonged carrying of heavy school bags, the type of school furniture, smoking, sleep disorders, and exposure to psychological stress. Discussion and conclusion: The proposed risk factors for lower back pain lack strong evidence. The research findings are often contradictory hence further research in this regard is needed. Awareness of young people about the importance of spinal health, primary and secondary prevention measures for physically inactive adolescents, early recognition of pain symptoms, regular medical examinations for young athletes and awareness of potential rare but extremely serious underlying pathologies are the cornerstones of an effective treatment for low back pain in adolescents.
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