Is Back Pain in Children a Daily Issue?

Published On: January 18th, 20194 min read

Back pain, spinal curvature, poor posture, and other spine-related ailments are not new issues for children. These concerns often become daily problems, and without preventive measures or timely visits to specialists, we may inadvertently harm a child’s spinal health. Scientific data shows that children and adolescents who suffer from back pain are more likely to experience chronic pain as adults.

What Causes Back Pain in Children?

Back pain in children is often caused by poor posture, improper seating while doing homework, uncontrolled seating positions in school, or long periods spent sitting at a computer. Back and neck pain can appear as early as 8-10 years old and intensify during adolescence. Studies indicate that 24-35% of children under 12 experience back and neck pain, increasing to 47% during teenage years.

A sedentary lifestyle (sitting over three hours daily) exacerbates pain in the neck, back, and lumbar areas, especially if computer setup (screen, mouse, and keyboard positioning) is poor. Extended sitting weakens muscles, which impacts a child’s posture and spine. Children with a higher body mass index, who avoid exercise or outdoor play, are also more likely to suffer from back problems.

Heavy school backpacks (especially those exceeding 20% of a child’s body weight) can also contribute to back pain and curvature. A child’s backpack should not exceed 10% of their body weight, and improper carrying or uneven distribution of backpack weight can also lead to pain.

In childhood, a balanced regimen of work and rest is crucial, as well as regular physical activity, proper posture, and basic ergonomic practices. When posture issues arise, specialized exercises may be needed, as advised by professionals in this field.

 

How to Treat Back Pain in Children

Weak back muscles contribute to back pain in children, so improving posture through strengthening exercises under the supervision of a physical therapist is key. During these exercises:

  • Muscle coordination is improved,
  • Muscle tone is normalized,
  • Balance and coordination reactions are developed,
  • Joint flexibility is enhanced.

Physical exercises improve muscle elasticity and spinal flexibility, which is especially important as children grow.

Each child with spinal problems receives an individualized treatment plan based on their condition. The therapist creates a program, specifies starting positions, movement amplitude, tempo, and physical load for the exercises. Exercises should be performed accurately, so parents and specialists should observe and guide the child both in sessions and at home.

We recommend visiting Clinic AGATAS specialists if you notice that your child has:

  • A curved spine,
  • Misaligned pelvis,
  • Shoulders at uneven heights,
  • A tilted or turned head.

Acting promptly can help avoid prolonged treatment.

 

How to Support Your Child's Spinal Health

Here are some ways to help maintain your child’s spinal health:

  • Proper Sitting Posture: Proper posture is based on the "four-point support" rule – both feet on the ground, hands resting on the table, reducing fatigue.
  • Adequate Physical Activity:Regular exercise, swimming, active play, or any activity that strengthens back, abdominal, and other muscles helps children adapt to growth periods more easily.
  • Monitor Posture: Place the child against a door or wall without a baseboard, ensuring their heels, calves, buttocks, shoulder blades, and head touch the surface. Encourage them to remember and maintain this posture.
  • Choose the Right Mattress: A mattress should provide comfort, support, and proper alignment. With the right mattress, spinal discs decompress, improving recovery during sleep.
  • Comfortable Footwear: Shoes should have a soft, shock-absorbing sole to protect the spine from impacts.
  • Balanced Diet: Children need a variety of nutrients to strengthen bones and overall health. Encourage slow eating and proper digestion by having meals last more than 15 minutes.

 

Act Immediately

Monitor your child’s health and, if you suspect issues, consult specialists promptly. Early diagnosis and appropriate measures can prevent discomfort and pain in the future. Poor spinal development can lead to lifelong problems and complex surgeries in adulthood. Clinic AGATAS specialists encourage you to take care of your health and serve as a role model for your children!