If your child has been complaining about back pain, you're not alone. Studies show that 1 out of 3 children and adolescents experience back pain at least once a month, with some cases being severe enough to result in missed school days. 1 Australian Pain Society As parents, it's natural to feel concerned when your child is in pain, and you may be wondering about the causes and available treatments. Our experienced chiropractors have helped countless families address and manage back pain in children of all ages.
In this guide, we'll explore the causes of back pain in children and discuss effective treatment approaches to help your child move more freely and comfortably. Let’s go!
Understanding Back Pain in Children
Children experience back pain differently than adults do. While adult back pain often comes from aging and chronic conditions, children typically develop back pain from other causes. This means they need a different treatment approach.
While it's tempting to dismiss it as growing pains, research shows that untreated childhood back pain can lead to adult problems, so it's crucial to seek proper care early to support their healthy development and prevent long-term issues.
Common Causes of Back Pain in Children
Lifestyle Factors
Here are some everyday situations that could be causing your child’s discomfort:
- Extended Screen Time: Children often spend hours hunched over phones, tablets, or computers, leading to poor posture and muscle strain.
- Heavy Backpacks: A heavy schoolbag that weighs more than 10% of your child's body weight can put too much strain on their growing body, particularly if they're not wearing it properly.
- Sedentary Behaviour: Not getting enough movement and sitting for too long can make core muscles weak and lead to poor posture.
Physical Factors
Here are some common physical issues that can cause back pain in kids:
- Muscle Imbalances: Many children develop stronger muscles in the front of their body (like their belly and hip muscles) than in their back, which can affect how they sit and stand.
- Growth-Related Issues: During growth spurts, kids can experience temporary muscle strain and discomfort as their bodies grow quickly.
- Sports-Related Strain: Intense physical activity can cause muscle strain and overuse injuries, particularly during growth spurts.
Medical Conditions
While less common, several medical conditions can cause back pain:
- Scheuermann's Kyphosis: A condition causing excessive roundness in the upper back, typically appearing during adolescence.
- Spondylolysis: A stress fracture in the spine, often seen in young athletes who participate in sports involving twisting and bending backwards.
- Idiopathic Scoliosis: A sideways curvature of the spine that can cause discomfort if left untreated.
Prevention Strategies
Taking proactive steps can help prevent or minimise back pain in children:
- Proper Posture Education
- Ensure proper ergonomic setup for study and gaming areas
- Teach children to sit upright while studying and using devices
- Encourage regular "posture reset" breaks every hour
- Backpack Safety
- Choose a properly fitted backpack with wide, padded straps
- Ensure the backpack weighs less than 10% of your child's body weight
- Teach proper wearing techniques—using both straps and positioning the bag above the hips
- Physical Activity
- Encourage regular exercise to strengthen core muscles
- Promote activities that improve flexibility and strength
- Ensure proper warm-up before sports activities
Treatment Options
Conservative Management
At Rasura Chiropractic Centres, we specialise in gentle, child-appropriate treatments that may include:
- Chiropractic Adjustments: Safe, gentle techniques specifically adapted for children
- Postural Education: Teaching proper alignment and movement patterns
- Exercise Programs: Customised strengthening and stretching routines
Additional Treatments
Depending on your child's specific needs, we may recommend:
- Pain Management Techniques: Natural, non-invasive approaches to relief
- Lifestyle Modifications: Practical changes to daily routines
- Collaborative Care: Working with other healthcare providers when necessary
The Role of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to treating back pain in children. Our experienced practitioners use safe, age-appropriate techniques to:
- Screen for scoliosis
- Address spinal misalignments
- Improve posture and movement patterns
- Strengthen supporting muscles
- Prevent future problems
During your child's first visit, we conduct a thorough assessment to understand the root cause of their pain. Our approach is always gentle and tailored to their specific needs and comfort level.
When to Seek Professional Help
Contact a healthcare professional if your child experiences:
- Pain lasting more than two weeks
- Pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Pain accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss
- Pain that wakes them in the night
- Blood in urine or faeces
Your Next Steps
If your child is experiencing back pain, our experienced team of chiropractors is here to help. We understand that every child is unique, and we're committed to providing personalised care that addresses not just the symptoms, but the underlying causes of back pain.
Contact our clinic today to schedule a comprehensive assessment. Together, we can help your child move more freely and enjoy their daily activities without pain or discomfort.
Remember, early intervention is key to preventing long-term problems. Don't wait for the pain to become severe—reach out to us today to discuss how we can help your child achieve optimal spinal health and overall wellbeing.
