One may assume that back pain is a problem faced only by adults. Well, think again. There has been a rise in back pain among children, and the reasons are obvious yet often ignored, say experts. Heavy backpacks or schoolbags have long been regarded as a potential culprit for back pain in children, prompting the educational sector to lower the bag weight. In addition, an inactive lifestyle among children nowadays is also responsible for the growing incidence of pediatric back pain. Hence, it is crucial for parents to address the issue and implement preventive measures.
Common causes of back pain in children
According to Dr Supraja Chandrasekar, senior pediatrician and intensivist, DHEE Hospitals, Bengaluru, 20 per cent of all pediatric back pain cases can be caused by a missed trauma in the spine or referred pain, while the remaining 80 per cent is caused by a sedentary lifestyle and poor posture.
“As a pediatrician, I become alert when a child complains of back pain,” says Dr Chandrasekar. “Pain in adolescents and older children typically results from poor posture and a sedentary lifestyle. In younger children, however, the pain may result from a missed or untreated trauma to the spine that we need to detect. It could also be a referred pain [pain felt in an area other than the actual source of the problem].”
In addition, back pain can also be associated with urinary or bowel irregularities, as the spinal cord plays a critical role in transmitting nerve signals that control these functions.
Lifestyle and back pain
A sedentary lifestyle can induce back pain due to weakened core and back muscles, decreased flexibility and increased pressure on the spinal discs and joints caused by extended periods of sitting without activity.
“Kids are not very active these days like they used to be,” says Dr Pavan Chebbi, senior consultant orthopedic surgeon at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Bengaluru. “Whatever physical activity they are involved in is time restricted. For instance, their dance or martial arts training is limited to a few hours every week. I have seen kids with sciatica and hip problems that are more common in adults. Kids who are into dancing practice a lot in a short amount of time, and once the class is over, they return to their daily routines with limited movements.”
In addition, poor posture and incorrect body mechanics while sitting for prolonged periods can also aggravate back pain.
Since children tend to have more flexibility than adults, they can sit in any position they want for longer periods. However, this habit – spending long hours in front of a screen without keeping it at eye level and maintaining proper posture – could impact them negatively in the long run.
Vitamin D deficiency and back pain
A deficiency of vitamin D, necessary for bone and muscle health, can weaken the bones and make the spine more vulnerable to strain and damage.
“At least 60 per cent of the children who consult me for orthopedic issues have vitamin D deficiency,” says Dr Chebbi.
In the past, children played outdoors, producing an ample amount of vitamin D. Nowadays, they spend more time indoors, which can cause deficiencies and weaken their muscles and bones.
Back pain in children: How parents can help
Back issues in children should not be overlooked, as they can cause postural abnormalities or a slipped disc at an early age. When your child has persistent back pain, it is best to consult a specialist and undergo tests to determine the cause of the pain.
In addition, since we are all aware about the benefits of an active lifestyle, we should put this knowledge into practice.
“We can implement minor changes to our lifestyle, making movement an integral part of our daily life that can benefit our children as well as ourselves. Inculcating practices like walking, taking the stairs instead of the lift and playing outside will foster an active lifestyle in children,” says Dr Chandrasekar.
Maintaining the right posture is just as crucial as staying active to prevent back pain. “Besides consistently correcting your child’s posture, it is crucial to make sure your home is ergonomically sound for the kids to use. For example, instead of reclining on the bed or couch to complete their homework or use the computer, kids should sit in a chair in front of a table,” says Dr Chebbi.
Additionally, it’s vital to take regular breaks while sitting for prolonged periods. Children should ideally have a break of at least 15–20 minutes after an hour of continuous sitting.
Takeaways
- Back pain in adolescents and older children often results from an inactive lifestyle and postural problems, while that in younger kids can be caused by a missed trauma in the spine or referred pain.
- Back issues in children should not be overlooked, as they can cause postural abnormalities or a slipped disc at an early age.
- Inculcating practices like walking, taking the stairs and playing outside will foster an active lifestyle in children, thereby preventing back pain.
