Cervical Pain in Young Professional Musicians - Quality of Life.

BACKGROUND: The education of young musicians requires teaching them appropriate prophylaxis in order to avoid spinal overload and the development of postural defects. The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life of young musicians with cervical pain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved a group of 45 young musicians divided into three subgroups depending on the musical instrument they played, namely the violin, cello and piano. The total follow-up period was 18 weeks. The patients were tested at 6-week intervals using the NDI, SF-36 and a VAS scale to assess pain intensity.

RESULTS: The degree of disability was moderate in all the groups. The level of general physical health was the lowest in the cello group. Pain intensity was also moderate in all the groups.

CONCLUSIONS: 1. Short-term follow-up revealed no changes in the quality of life of young musicians playing various instruments. 2. Prophylaxis should be implemented particularly in cellists.