The burden of musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents is uncertain. Estimates of prevalence vary considerably and the impact of pain on children's life is often not considered.

To determine the one-month prevalence of disabling musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents living in an urban setting in Brazil. The secondary aims of this study are: 1) to determine the body region with the highest prevalence of disabling musculoskeletal pain; 2) to understand the characteristics of the children with disabling musculoskeletal pain; and 3) to describe the parents' perception of the prevalence of disabling musculoskeletal pain.

This study was conducted in public and private schools in the state of São Paulo (Itu, Salto, São Sebastião, São Paulo) and Ceará (Fortaleza), Brazil. We measured the prevalence of disabling musculoskeletal pain (primary outcome) by frequency and percentage. We also measured pain intensity; the presence of psychosomatic symptoms; and quality of life.

A total of 2,688 children and adolescents were included in this study, of which 27.6% (95% CI 25.95 to 29.33) reported disabling musculoskeletal pain in the last month. The body region with the highest estimated prevalence of disabling musculoskeletal pain was the back, followed by the legs. Children and adolescents with disabling musculoskeletal pain were mostly girls, with a mean age of 12.2 years old. In addition, we observed that parents tend to underestimate the presence of pain in their children.

The prevalence of disabling musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents was 27.6%, with the back being the most affected body region.

Understanding the prevalence estimated of musculoskeletal pain in children and adolescents will allow us to understand the current scenario of this condition, especially in Brazil. Prevalence studies are important to elucidate the burden of the condition and to support the identification of future priorities in healthcare and research.